The tree grows in Madagascar and is really very visually stunning to look at as the leaves on the branches are pear shaped and there is plenty of space between each leave on the branch. The tree which grows to heights of about 6.5 metres also produces a flower and is used in Hasmanga which is a religious ceremony; in fact when these religious ceremonies take place and an animal is sacrificed and cooked it is only the Katrafay plant parts that are used to keep the open fire going.

The oil is obtained by steam distillation of the bark and the colour is gorgeous yellow gold.

For all the aromatherapists reading this I also think you too should add this to your collection, diluted in carrier oil it could be considered useful to aid breathing and relieve rheumatic pain.

The oil sold by Hermitage is wild crafted and the trees used to produce this oil are from the south of the island not the west and in my opinion it is far superior to my UK competitors Katrafay.