Ylang Ylang Tree (Cananga odorata)Although your first encounter with a Ylang Ylang tree might feel like a novelty experience, chances are high that its been ever present in your life. Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) is a worldwide pop culture staple, its fragrance famously serving as one of the key notes in Chanel No. 5, the first perfume launched by Coco Chanel in 1921. The treasured tropical fragrance of the Ylang Ylang tree is emitted from its cascading ringlets of yellow flowers.