Ilang-ilang
Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thomson
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Locally known as Ilang-ilang, this plant is widely popular for its golden yellow solitary flowers which releases highly aromatic fragrance most especially at nighttime. Moreover, this species is considered to be native in the Philippines.
Aside from being an ornamental plant, its essential oils have already been widely utilized in the food industry as well as in the perfume industry and aromatherapy. Due to its medium to strong initial aroma which is also described to produce intensely sweet scent similar to Sampaguita, its flowers can also be used to treat asthma and skin rashes. Ilang-ilang can also be a good source of wood and fiber in some communities. Here in the Philippines, cultivated and naturally growing Ilang-ilang are situated within the town of Aguilar in Pangasinan as well as other distant provinces like Benguet and Aurora.
In our Sintang Paaralan, the only Ilang-Ilang plant that can be observed is along the E. Jacinto Road near the Nutrition and Dietetics building. And according to some testimonials which were confirmed through PUP Archives, this has been planted during the administration of Dr. Prudente around 1987 to 1989.
Distribution of Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thomson in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (Map created by J. Diongco).
Natural distribution of Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thomson in the Philippines (Map created by A. De Jesus and M.I. De Ramos).
Botanical Description of Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thomson
This perennial tree grows up to 15-20 m tall with trunk measuring up to 40 cm diameter at breast height, with a smooth bark in gray color. Its name came from the Indonesian word kanaga meaning ‘gold’, and from the Latin word odoratus meaning ‘fragrant’. The leaves are distichous with a leaf blade that is narrowly ovate and wavy or undulate leaf margins.
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