Cananga (Cananga odorata)

Other names: Cananga scented, Cananga odorata var. macrophylla, Lean Jasmine

Cananga odorata is one of the best known and one of the most intensely scented hairy plants in tropical Asia. In the Czech Republic, this plant is known as Cananga odorata var. macrophylla or also Jasmine of the Poor, a nickname given to it because of its strong jasmine scent and relatively low price. Cananga is a medium-sized shrub to tree that can reach heights of up to 20 metres. It has long, green, deciduous leaves and yellow flowers, which are used to make Ylang-ylang fragrance oil.

One of the most well-known products in which Kananga fragrance is used is Ylang-ylang oil. Due to its distinctive scent, this oil is particularly popular in aromatherapy, where it is used for its relaxing and unwinding effects. In addition to the oil, its extract is also used in cosmetics as an ingredient in perfumes, soaps, shampoos and various types of creams. Thanks to its antimicrobial and antiseptic activity, kananga is also used in some skin and hair care products. In addition to the cosmetics industry, the aroma of Kananga is also used in the food industry, where its aroma is added to beverages and confectionery.