Lower Risk

Cananga odorata (Ylang Ylang, Perfume Tree)

(Canangium odoratum, Uvaria odorata)

Cananga odorata (Ylang Ylang) is a fast growing evergreen tree native to tropical areas of South East Asia and Australia (Queensland). It is widely cultivated as source of timber and oil for perfume, as well as an ornamental. It has been introduced repeatedly to many countries and is widely naturalised in tropical areas. It is considered invasive in several Pacific Islands but has been given a low risk of invasiveness by the Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER) assessment process. It is a pioneer species that outcompetes native species for sunlight and can reach maturity quickly under favourable conditions. It does not tolerate temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius. This species has not been recorded as naturalised or invasive anywhere in Australia and is therefore considered to have a low risk of invasiveness for Australia. However, it is possible the species could become a problem as the climate becomes warmer and wetter.