The ylang-ylang (pronounced ee-lang ee-lang) is a large tree, to 10-15 m tall, which produces highly fragrant flowers. It is native to Indo-Malaysia. Leaves are dark green, up to 20 cm (8 in) in length, alternate, simple, entire, elliptic-oblong, slightly pubescent, and with a prominent midrib and drip tip. It flowers throughout the year in axillary, umbellate hanging clusters of 4–12 flowers.The flower has three sepals and six petals up to 8 cm long. The petals are twisted when young, then limp and drooping when mature. Flowers are very fragrant, greenish yellow at first, then turning a deep yellow/yellow brown when mature. The essential oil of the flower is obtained through steam distillation of the flowers and separated into different grades according to when the distillates are obtained.