Note · Citrus

Litsea cubeba

The small berries of litsea, also called "may chang", yield a very lemony oil, softer and fruitier than lemon.

What it brings

A sparkling lemony freshness.

Origins and uses

Litsea cubeba is an Asian shrub found from the eastern Himalayas to southern China and Southeast Asia. It is also known as "may chang". Its small fruits are mainly processed to give a very lemony essential oil whose main constituent is citral (70 to 85 per cent). The leaves also yield oil, but of lower quality.

In perfumery, litsea brings a lemony, sparkling freshness that is a little softer than lemon. It is used in the top notes of citrus fragrances and fresh scents, and also as a flavouring. Its citral is also a starting material for the chemical industry, notably for violet-like notes.

In our catalogue, litsea brightens Wūlóng Chá by Nishane, with bergamot, orange and mandarin, and Petit Matin by Maison Francis Kurkdjian, alongside orange blossom and musk.

Text written with the help of AI, based on reference sources: encyclopedias, raw-material manufacturers and official information from the fragrance houses.

Material profile