White Lotus Aromatics Newsletter Issue: Baobab, Nov. 2006

The Baobab Tree

Often referred to as 'grotesque' by some authors, the main stem of larger baobab trees may reach enormous proportions of up to 90 feet girth, although baobab trees seldom exceed a height of 80 feet. The massive, usually squat cylindrical trunk gives rise to thick tapering branches resembling a root-system, which is why it has often been referred to as the upside-down tree. There is a tale which tells of how God planted them upside-down and many traditional Africans believe that the baobab actually grows upside-down.

One ancient hollow Baobab tree in Zimbabwe is so large that up to 40 people can shelter inside its trunk. Various Baobabs have been used as a shop, a prison, a house, a storage barn and a bus shelter. The tree is certainly very different from any other. The trunk is smooth and shiny, not at all like the bark of other trees, and it is pinkish gray or sometimes copper colored.  More...

Mala Perfume 

Mala means "garland" and one of the most lovely aromatic traditions of India centers around the act of giving and receiving garlands. At almost any auspicious event, i.e. marriages, spiritual gatherings, special social events, the aromatic flower garland plays a significant role. Also garlands play an important part in daily worship in Indian temples, indicating in their offering by the devotees, their humble devotion and love for the grand mystery of life represented by various gods and goddesses.

The garland markets that are often located in close proximity to the temples offer an enchanting view of the ancient world which garlands represent. Throughout India, during the course of the day, thousands of people quietly weave simple and elaborate garlands made of Jasmin sambac, Tuberose, Marigolds, Rosa centifolia, Rosa bourbonia, Holy Basil, Davana, Bakul Flowers and several other aromatic flowers and herbs. Toward evening the air becomes saturated with a divine bouquet that is the result of the co-mingling of the aromas of the above mentioned botanicals. More...

New Arrivals 

Suzanne and I continue to enjoy discovering new aromatic treasures to add to the palette of natural essences we offer. It is an ongoing exploration that leads us into contact with unique sources of materials from different parts of the world.

Mushroom/Cepes Absolute(France) This unique absolute has a very rich complex earthy, mossy, rooty, animalic olfactory presence. It is extremely potent and should be used with great discretion but can supply beautiful effects in fougere and chypre types of compositions and can be used in many perfumes where oakmoss might be found. I feel that the Mushroom Absolute would produce fine complementary effects with Fir Balsam Absolute, Aglaia Absolute, Labdanum Absolute(Amber Note), White and Pink Lotus Absolute and might produce stunning contrasting effects with Jasmin sambac, Golden Champa Absolute, and Tuberose Absolute. Like all new materials one needs to plunge into the world of intuitive blending to see what might be uncovered. This is definitely one of those materials that has the capability of putting a stamp or originality on a unique creation. More new arrivals...