Scented Flowers of Malaysia

(27 March 2001)

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The White Tanjung (Mimusops elengi) flower is well known for its fragrance especially during late evenings. These trees or shrubs with flowering branches come with milky sap, curvaceous or mostly alternate leaves.

The Fragrant Kenanga (Cananga odorata) has a characteristic pole-like trunk, which often bends over at the top. The tree has a sparse irregular with branches down at the tips. The flowers are green when immature, which turn yellow and fragrant when in their full glory.

The Penaga Lilin (Mesua ferrea) is an evergreen tree, which grows to a height of 60 meters. It's young leaves are attractive and brilliant red in color. Though initially, it grows very slowly, once it reaches maturity, the Penaga Lilin is indeed a graceful looking tree. The fragrant flowers are large, white with yellows stamens and are usually used as ornamental avenue trees in most cities.

The Aromatic Cempaka (Michelia champaca) are characterized with alternate or spiral insertion leaves, which do not droop. The rich yellow fragrant flowers are large, showy with usually only a single flower on one leafy stalk. The Cempaka comes in various species and shades of colors. The robust trees normally reach the great heights.

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