Climbing ilang-ilang

Climbing Ilang-ilang, Artabotrys hexapetalus, is a woody, evergreen climbing shrub in the family Annonaceae native to tropical Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, southern China, and Southeast Asia. The species climbs by means of specialized hooked, woody peduncles that become recurved after flowering, grasping the branches of supporting trees and shrubs. The flowers are intensely fragrant, cream to yellow-green, with six thick, narrow petals arranged in two alternating whorls, and are produced throughout much of the year in tropical climates. The fragrance is similar to that of the related Ylang-ylang tree (Cananga odorata) and is highly valued in perfumery and aromatherapy. Climbing Ilang-ilang is widely cultivated as an ornamental and fragrance plant across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide and has naturalized in parts of the Caribbean, Africa, and other tropical areas. The flowers are used in garlands, religious offerings, and hair decoration across South and Southeast Asia. The essential oils extracted from the flowers contain benzyl acetate, linalool, and other aromatic compounds used in high-end perfumes. The species is not threatened in its native range and thrives in a variety of tropical forest margins, gardens, and secondary vegetation.