Flowers of Bali

Balinese name: Sandat
Indonesian name: Kenanga
Latin name: Canaga odorata Baill.
Family: Annonaceae

The very fragrant flowers of the Sandat -no common English name exists- are favored by the Balinese for offerings; they are picked very early in the morning and can be found in every market in Bali. The Sandat is also used to perfume hair and clothing. An essential oil is extracted from the flower to scent soaps, cosmetics and perfume. This oil is sometimes given a yellow color by frying the flowers in turmeric. The leaves are used as a medicine for malaria and the bark of the tree provides material for twine.

Description
The inconspicuous, green flowers are often difficult to see because they occur high in this tall tree.

Flowers
Long, narrow, and limp, light green in color, changing to a pale lemon yellow when fully open. There are six somewhat wrinkled petals, each about 5 to 8 cm long and 1 to 1.5 cm wide at the widest point. The center of the flower is complex, consisting of tiny stamens and a compound stigma.

Leaves
Medium green, almost perfectly spear shaped, occurring alternately. They range in size from 20 by 9 cm to 30 by 13 cm. Veining makes the surface seem wrinkled.

Seeds
About a dozen 2 by 1.5 cm fruits on a spike.

Flowering
Year-round