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    Ingredient Profile

    Cadam tree fragrance note

    Cadam tree, known scientifically as Neolamarckia cadamba, offers a sweet, honey‑laden aroma from its white blossoms, prized in traditional I…More

    India

    1

    Fragrances

    Fragrances featuring Cadam tree

    Character

    The Story of Cadam tree

    Cadam tree, known scientifically as Neolamarckia cadamba, offers a sweet, honey‑laden aroma from its white blossoms, prized in traditional Indian attar and modern niche perfumery.

    Heritage

    Ancient Indian texts mention the Kadamba tree as a source of fragrant offerings in temple rituals. By the 12th century, artisans in Kannauj began steam‑distilling its blossoms to create attar, a practice that spread across the subcontinent. Colonial trade records from the 1800s list Kadamba oil among exported natural essences, valued for its ability to soften sharp spices. In the early 20th century, French perfumers incorporated the oil into floral‑citrus blends, noting its unique honeyed character. Today, niche houses revive the note to honor its cultural heritage while exploring new accords. The tree’s role in perfumery reflects a continuity of botanical appreciation that bridges ritual, commerce, and artistic expression.

    At a Glance

    Fragrances

    1

    Feature this note

    Origin

    India

    Primary source region

    Ingredient Details

    Extraction

    Steam distillation

    Used Parts

    Fresh flower buds

    Did You Know

    "The Kadamba’s flower opens at dusk, releasing a scent that intensifies after nightfall, a trait that inspired ancient poets to liken it to moonlit nectar."

    Production

    How Cadam tree Is Made

    Harvesters collect fresh flower buds at sunrise, when volatile oils peak. They transport the blossoms in insulated crates to a nearby distillery. Steam distillation runs at 100 °C for two hours, separating a clear, pale‑gold liquid that captures the honeyed top notes. The condensate cools in stainless steel coils before passing through activated charcoal to remove impurities. Finally, the oil rests in amber glass bottles for thirty days, allowing the scent to stabilize. Yield averages 0.25 % by weight of fresh material, translating to roughly 250 ml of essential oil per tonne of harvested buds. The process respects the tree’s natural cycle, as only a portion of each bloom cluster is harvested, leaving the remainder to support pollinators.

    Provenance

    India

    India22.5°N, 78.0°E

    About Cadam tree