Cananga odorata, known as the cananga tree, is a tropical tree that is native to India, through parts of Indochina, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia, to Queensland, Australia. Ylang ylang is a yellow, star-shaped flower that grows on the Cananga tree ( Cananga odorata). Ylang ylang oil is made from the flowers of the herb Cananga odorata genuina. Used in aromatherapy applications, Ylang Ylang Essential Oil soothes stress, anxiety, sadness, tension, and sleeplessness. What is Ylang Ylang Oil? Ylang ylang oil is made from the flowers of the herb Cananga odorata genuina. Ylang ylang essential oil is a type of essential oil commonly used in aromatherapy.