Ylang-Ylang

The opulent yellow florals of ylang-ylang often play a supporting role in perfumes. Ylang’s scent is fruity and buttery, with banana and apricot-like tones. You’ll often see ylang-ylang used alongside jasmine, since they both compliment each other so well.

Ylang is grown in tropical climates, notably in the Phillipines, Comoros and Java. A costly absolute and essential oil can be extracted from the flowers. Ylang-ylang is a key ingredient in Chanel No 5, balancing out the perfume’s famed overdose of aldehydes.