Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f. & Thoms., Fl. Ind. 1 (1855)
(Latin for 'fragrant')

Synonyms
Cananga scortechinii King.; Canangium odoratum Baill.; Unona leptopetala Dunal; Unona odorata Dunal; Uvaria axillaris Roxb.; Uvaria fracta Wall.; Uvaria odorata Lam.

Description
Sub-canopy tree up to 27 m tall and 51 cm dbh. Stipules absent. Leaves alternate, simple, penni-veined, often with conspicuously asymmetrical base. Flowers ca. 90 mm in diameter, green-yellow, strongly fragrant, placed in bundles on older branches. Fruitlets ca. 12 mm long, purple-black, placed in an apocarp, each fruitlet containing several seeds.

Ecology
Usually in secondary forest or disturbed sites (gaps, riversides) in undisturbed forest. Found up to 500 m altitude. Also common in villages and gardens where it is cultivated.

Uses
Dwarf forms are cultivated as ornamental plant. The flowers are used to produce Ylang-ylang oil, which is an ingredient in perfumes. Also used as medicine against evil spirits.

Distribution
From India to Fiji and Australia.

Local names in Borneo
Bunga gadung; Bunga kananga; Gadong utan; Kananga hutan; Kandanga hutan; Kenanga; Merua.