Cananga ODORATA

Cananga ODORATA - Fragrant Cananga, Ylang-Ylang, Perfume Tree.

Cananga is a genus of tropical trees in the Annonaceae family, comprising several species distributed in Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and Pacific islands. These plants have long been valued for fragrant flowers from which essential oils are obtained.

Representatives of the genus are evergreen trees 10-30 m (33-98 ft) in height with a pyramidal crown. Leaves are large, oval, dark green, glossy, with prominent veins. Flowers are pendulous, with long narrow petals, gathered in axillary inflorescences. Fruits are fleshy aggregate follicles, black when ripe, containing numerous seeds.

Flowering continues virtually year-round in tropical climates; individual flowers remain on the tree for several weeks. The scent intensifies particularly during evening and night hours.

Cananga ODORATA is an evergreen tree up to 20 m (66 ft) in height, cultivated as an ornamental and aromatic plant. Leaves are large, up to 20 cm (8 in) long, dark and glossy, with distinct veins. Flowers are large, with long narrow petals, initially greenish-yellow, later bright yellow, exuding a sweet floral fragrance.

The fruits are oval, black upon ripening, gathered in clusters, containing numerous seeds. The plant is especially prized for its essential oil, which is part of perfume compositions of the "Chanel No. 5" caliber and other global brands.

Before sowing, seeds are carefully scarified and soaked in warm water for 6-8 hours. Sowing is carried out in a loose, nutritious, well-drained substrate with the addition of inert aerators, with light depth (0.5-1 cm / 0.2-0.4 in). The container is covered with film or glass, creating high humidity and bright lighting. For successful germination, a temperature of not lower than 28-30 °C (82-86 °F) is necessary; at lower temperatures, seeds generally do not sprout. In summer, germination is carried out in open sun; in winter, using bottom heat and fluorescent lighting.

Seedlings emerge in several weeks, usually within 20-40 days, but the minimum germination period is about 20 days, and the maximum possible is several months. Regular ventilation and maintenance of constant, but not excessive moisture of the substrate are required. Pricking out is carried out upon the emergence of 2-3 true leaves. Cuttings can also root in a moist mixture under film at a temperature of around 26 °C (79 °F) and high air humidity.

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For proper development, Cananga ODORATA requires good lighting, so the plant is recommended to be placed in a bright sunny spot or in light partial shade. In indoor conditions, maximum access to light is provided, and in winter the use of supplemental lighting is desirable to compensate for shortened day length.

The optimal temperature regime during active growth is 20-28 °C (68-82 °F). Watering should be regular and abundant, but water must not stagnate in the soil. In winter, the plant can be kept at a temperature not lower than 16 °C (61 °F), reducing watering to moderate, but not allowing the root ball to dry out completely.

For cultivation, a loose fertile substrate with the addition of sand and organic components is used. Repotting is carried out in spring by the potting-on method every 2-3 years to preserve root integrity. Mature plants are repotted less frequently, as they tolerate root damage poorly.

During the period of active growth from spring to late summer, fertilizers are applied every two weeks. For this purpose, balanced fertilizers for flowering ornamentals are used. In autumn, dosages are reduced, and during winter, feeding is completely discontinued to give the plant a dormant period.

Crown shaping is carried out by pruning young shoots, which helps control tree height and stimulates branching. Old and damaged branches are removed, and both seeds and cuttings can be used for propagation. In tropical conditions, layering is also applied.