kwtimo
Well-Known Member
- 596
- 22/05/10
- 342
- 83





I bet this has something to do with attracting insects for pollination. If the flowers are just plain white, as opposed to some of the wildly colorful species, they have to use something.
Some other examples would include the Hawaiian Pikake flower (technically a jasmine type, I think), tuberose, and the common white plumeria. And I believe the flower of ylang ylang is also white.
I agree with your assessment of Aglaia odorata. If you like fragrant shrubs it is a must for the garden. The flowers are not particularly showy because of the size and the subtle color blends in with the leaves, but the fragrance makes up for it and it is an attractive evergreen that looks good even if it did not bloom. I love the fragrance and the appearance of the Ylang Ylang flowers, but unfortunately the plant did not survive the winter here in Vero Beach. I had the dwarf (fruticosa), so don't know if the tree is hardier. I also have the Ylang Ylang vine which has grown very well and is not fazed by cold, but have not noticed much fragrance from it and the flowers are not as showy. My Michelia figo is finally putting on a real show this year, it is currently covered with blooms. To me the fragrance is so slight that it is hard to even pick up, but the plant is great. Michelia alba and champaca on the other hand are incredibly fragrant and have been very fast growing here.Interesting theory on the pollination, I hadn't thought about that. I'll look further into it and see if I can find some answers. Ylang Ylang or Cananga odorata actually has a yellow flower at its peak. They start off green and turn an almost golden yellow. The color reminds me of a very ripe banana. There are a handful of some yellow blooming shrubs and trees that are at the top of my list. Aglaia odorata, Cananga odorata, Michelia figo (creamy pale yellow) and Brunfelsia nitida (start yellow and fade to white, nocturnal scent only) to name a few. Unfortunately, Aglaia odorata has to be one of the most underused shrubs in the landscape. It might be due to lack of availability until recent years.
We use essential cookies to make this site work, and optional cookies to enhance your experience.