Ylang Ylang
Cananga odorata
Ylang Ylang
Urban Forest Tree Walk
Scientific name:
Cananga odorata
Where to find it:
The ylang ylang tree is originally from tropical Asia and is a member of the more well-known custard-apple family. Rarely getting over thirty feet tall in south Florida, this evergreen tree is upright and columnar in growth with droopy somewhat brittle branches.
The eight-inch long green leaves are alternatively spaced on the branches and have a distinctive wavy margin. The flowers are amazing and emerge lime green and change eventually to a golden-yellow color. Each flower is composed of six, six-inch long petals which are almost leaf-like in appearance. While the ylang ylang can flower on and off all year long, the best fragrance is released at night as this chemical scent attracts nocturnal moths and beetles reported to be this tree’s pollinators.
Small fruits develop starting green and then turning purple. The seeds can be used for germination, but it may take three months to sprout.
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