CANANGA ODORATA [CANANGIUM ODORATA]
Ilangilang, Ylangylang
Local name: Alangílang (Guam, Philippines)
This tree bears a profusion of greenish yellow, fragrant flowers, with long, fringe-like petals, from which the perfume "ilangilang" is made. Its introduction into Guam is comparatively recent, but the fruit-eating pigeons are spreading it gradually over the island. The natives sometimes use its flowers to perfume coconut oil.
The method used by the natives to extract the perfume is very simple. The flowers are put into coconut oil and allowed to remain there for a short time, after which they are removed and replaced by fresh ones. The process is hastened by heating the oil. To avoid excessive heat, the vessel used for the process is partly filled with water and the oil poured upon it. This prevents the temperature rising above that of boiling water, and the lower specific gravity of the oil keeps it separate from the water.
For more information, see Safford's Useful Plants of Guam, 2009 facsimile edition, page 210.
Local name: Alangílang (Guam, Philippines)
This tree bears a profusion of greenish yellow, fragrant flowers, with long, fringe-like petals, from which the perfume "ilangilang" is made. Its introduction into Guam is comparatively recent, but the fruit-eating pigeons are spreading it gradually over the island. The natives sometimes use its flowers to perfume coconut oil.
The method used by the natives to extract the perfume is very simple. The flowers are put into coconut oil and allowed to remain there for a short time, after which they are removed and replaced by fresh ones. The process is hastened by heating the oil. To avoid excessive heat, the vessel used for the process is partly filled with water and the oil poured upon it. This prevents the temperature rising above that of boiling water, and the lower specific gravity of the oil keeps it separate from the water.
For more information, see Safford's Useful Plants of Guam, 2009 facsimile edition, page 210.