Many plants contribute to the creation of perfumes, with various parts of different species being utilized for their unique fragrances.
The perfume industry relies on a diverse array of plants, extracting fragrant compounds from different organs. According to The Handy Science Answer Book, several plant types and their specific parts are commonly used.
Here is a breakdown of plant parts and examples of the plants from which they are sourced for perfume making:
| Plant Organ | Source Plants |
|---|---|
| Flowers | Rose, carnation, orange blossoms, ylang-ylang, violet, and lavender |
| Gums | Balsam and myrrh |
| Leaves and stems | Rosemary, geranium, citronella, lemon grass, and a variety of mints |
| Rhizomes | Ginger |
These botanical ingredients are essential for creating the complex scent profiles found in perfumes, providing natural notes that range from floral and spicy to earthy and herbaceous. The specific part of the plant used influences the type of extract obtained and its aromatic contribution to a fragrance.
