Lantern Tree (Cananga odorata)

Lantern Tree (Cananga odorata) is a member of the Annonaceae family, native to Southeast Asia, Madagascar, and Tropical Africa. Traditionally, its flowers, leaves, and bark have been used for infusions, oil infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its sedative, anti-inflammatory, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and african traditional medicine.

Lantern Tree (Cananga odorata) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Lantern Tree (Cananga odorata) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Lantern Tree
Scientific Name	Cananga odorata
Plant Family	Annonaceae
Genus	Cananga
Species	odorata
Native Range	Southeast Asia, Madagascar, Tropical Africa
Plant Parts Used	Flowers, Leaves, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Sedative, Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, African Traditional Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Oil Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Cananga odorata
Common Name: Lantern Tree
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Cananga, Tonka Bean Tree, Champa
Plant Family: Annonaceae
Genus: Cananga

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 5 to 15 meters.
Leaves: Simple, opposite, ovate leaves with entire margins, upper surface dark green, lower surface pale green, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are compound racemes with actinomorphic flowers having white petals and yellow staminodes.
Stems: Elongate, erect growth habit with opposite branching, smooth, glabrous surface, and presence of pith chamber.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
African Traditional Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Oil Infusion
Powder
Decoction

Medicinal Actions

Sedative: Historically regarded as a calming sedative, in calming-focused applications.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a warming anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Tonic: In herbal texts, considered a mild tonic, in general wellness contexts.
Antispasmodic: Commonly referenced as a gentle antispasmodic, for cramp-focused discussions.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: Volatile plant-derived substances commonly present in leaves and flowers.
Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Terpenoid: A large class of naturally occurring compounds derived from isoprene units.
Coumarin: A class of aromatic organic compounds found in many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Specific contraindications associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Capsule: A preparation format using encapsulated plant powders.
Infused Oil: This method allows plant material to release constituents into oil.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates moderate moisture fluctuations.