Nature: the ylang-ylang flower, the bewitching scent of Mayotte

Thanks to its tropical climate, Mayotte has an incredibly diverse flora, with 1,350 species. One has made the island famous: ylang-ylang. The flower, highly prized by perfumers, was dubbed the yellow gold of Mahorais a few years ago. It is harvested by hand. Once collected, the flowers are entrusted to Hassani Soulaimana, a farmer in Ouangani (Mayotte). Today he receives a group of tourists, to tell them the secrets of the plant.

A local treasure

For it to reveal its fragrance, it must go through distillation. When the scent of ylang-ylang reaches its peak, the flowers are thrown into a vat of boiling water. Two hours later, the essential oil of ylang-ylang, lighter than water, remains on the surface. This captivating and soothing oil is sold for around 7 euros, in addition to the 45 euros for the visit. AT Mayotte, called the island of flowers, ylang-ylang is a real treasure. “We can use it in our necklace for weddings”explains Taambati Abdou, guardian of Mahoran heritage at Santal Logis (Mayotte).