Edible Parts: Flowers  Oil
Edible Uses: Oil

The essential oil from the flowers is used by the food industry, especially in peach and apricot flavourings[ 238 ]. It is used in candies, icings, baked goods, soft drinks and chewing gum[ 301 ].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antiasthmatic  Antidiarrhoeal  Antifungal  Antipruritic  Antiseptic  Aphrodisiac  Febrifuge  Hypotensive  
Malaria  Sedative  Skin  Stomachic

The flowers, and the essential oil obtained from them, are antipruritic, antifungal, antiseptic and sedative, relieving tension, lowering blood pressure and reducing fever[ 238 , 311 ]. They are also said to be aphrodisiac[ 238 ]. The dried flowers are used in the treatment of malaria and the fresh flowers are made into a paste for treating asthma[ 303 ]. Applied externally, they are used to treat skin irritations, conjunctivitis, boils and gout[ 238 ]. They are added to bath water to treat impotence and frigidity[ 238 ]. The essential oil is important in aromatherapy, where it is used in the treatment of tachycardia, rapid breathing, hypertension, gastrointestinal infections and psycho-sexual complaints[ 238 ]. The flowers are harvested of a night time and dried for infusions or distilled for their essential oil[ 238 ]. The leaves are used in a treatment for diarrhoea in infants[ 311 ]. The leaves are also used in a remedy for treating boils[ 311 ]. They are rubbed on the skin to treat itch[ 303 ]. The bark is applied against scurf[ 303 ]. An infusion of the bark is used for treating stomach ailments such as pains, indigestion and colic[ 311 ]. Fluid from the pressed bark is used in treating toothaches and migraine headaches[ 311 ]. The seed has been used externally to cure intermittent fever[ 303 ].

Containers  Essential  Fuel  Hair  Houseplant  Oil  Soap making  String  Wood

Other uses rating: High (4/5). Small Shade Tree, Specimen, Courtyard, Large Planter, Public open space, Civic Centre, Large conservatory. Agroforestry Uses: Because of its fast growth and its ability to attract birds and bats to its fruit, it is being used for rainforest regeneration in Australia[ 307 ]. Other Uses Two types of essential oil are obtained from the flowers, both of which are used to supply the dominant odour note of many perfumes:- Cv. Group 'Ylang-ylang' produces ylang-ylang oil, which has a more subtle perfume. 'Extra' quality ylang-ylang oil is much used in high-class perfumery[ 303 ]. Third grade ylang ylang oil has a harsher, more tenacious odour and, like cananga oil, is mainly used in soaps and toiletries for men[ 303 ]. Cv. Group 'Cananga' yields cananga oil which has a harsher, more tenacious odour[ 303 ]. It can be mixed with coconut oil and used as a hair oil named Macassar oil[ 303 ]. It is also often used in soaps and toiletries for men[ 303 ]. The fragrant yellow-green flowers are made into leis[ 302 ]. They are also used to scent coconut oil[ 302 ]. The fragrant flowers are used for personal adornment and decoration at festivities and other celebrations. Malaysians and Indonesians are very fond of the scent, and the women like to hide a flower in their hair. The fresh flowers are used in various ceremonies in Java and Bali. The flowers are also put away with clothes, or scattered about the bed[ 303 ]. The bark can be beaten to make coarse ropes[ 303 ]. The heartwood is pinkish-buff, yellowish to light gray; it is not differentiated from the sapwood. The texture is coarse; the grain straight; there is no distinctive odour or taste. The wood is light in weight; not very durable, being vulnerable to termite attack. It is easy to season with little or no degrade. It is said to be easy to work and finishes smoothly. The wood is used locally for general construction, turnery and making canoes, and is also used for making boxes, tea chests and plywood[ 303 , 307 , 316 , 339 ]. It has potential for making small drums and matchsticks[ 303 ]. The wood is sometimes used for fuel[ 339 ].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife  Food Forest  Scented Plants