It is often that we pass along bushes and hedges without paying much attention unless they possess either a striking colour or a heady scent to draw us in. Heliotropium, an annual flowering plant (heliotrope) belonging to the borage family (Boriginaceae) comprising as many as 300 species, is small in stature, but magnificent in both colour and scent (especially heliotropium peruvianum with its characteristic bright violet small flowers); which is why butterflies are so fond of it
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THE HELIOTROPE PLANT
The most usual heliotrope variety grown is heliotropium arborescens, resembling a small tree. Garden heliotrope has been a constant feature since at least the Victorian times, thanks to its delicious scent that oscillates between marzipan, vanilla, cherry pie and almond (hence its alternative name "cherry pie flower"). Indeed vanilla essential oil contains an amount of piperonal (heliotropin) in its composite, drawing the two close.
Although heliotrope is renowned for its delicious scent, several modern varieties of the heliotrope plant have been bred to mainly produce vivid colours, but in the process some of the wonderful fragrance has been regretably removed as well; this is why sometimes you have to lean real close to catch the scent. This odour profile made it a suitable contestant for inclusion in perfume and scented products
Heliotrope flower by h.d.lange
ETYMOLOGY
The name comes from the Greek words "Helios" (the sun) and "tropein" (turning), denoting the propensity for turning towards solar rays. Thus is explained the old English name "turnsole" (via the French "tournesol").
PRODUCTION
Both maceration and enfleurage (enrobing blossoms in clarified fat and then treating the fat with volatile solvents in order to catch the pure essence of the flower) yield heliotrope essence from heliotrope peruvianum. But in perfume formulae, heliotrope is replicated with heliotropin.
HELIOTROPIN, the note for HELIOTROPE
Also known as piperonal or oil of sassafras, heliotropin derives from sassafras indeed (Sassafras albidum) and has been in wide demand for perfume and soaps for decades, especially for reasons of cost. The odour profile is powdery, like vanilla meringue with a helping of almond. The characteristic comforting scent of heliotrope has been proven to induce feelings of relaxation and comfort, a pampering atmosphere that finds itself very suited to languorous oriental fragrances and delicious "gourmands".
In Kenzo Amour the heliotropin take is on the vanillic side, boosted by milky notes. In Love, Chloe we encounter the retro-smelling pairing of heliotropin and violet notes producing a powdery effect, reminiscent of makeup products. In Sicily by Dolce & Gabanna it provides the sweet anchoring of soapy aldehydes on top. In Lolita Lempicka eau de parfum heliotropin takes a anisic mantle and becomes a full-blown gourmand, while in the older Cacharel Loulou it's the comforting billowy background alongside tonka bean (with which it shares an almond and hay facet) and orris, producing a true floriental. In L'Eau d'Hiver (F.Malle) heliotropin is almost reduced to its pure state: fluffy, like a late afternoon cloud.
But classic scents have also greatly benefited from heliotropin, notably the nostalgic L'Heure Bleue by Guerlain which pairs the vanillic facet of heliotropin with anise on top, soft flowers in the heart (violet and carnation) and benzoin, iris and Tonka bean in the base to compliment the floral-oriental character of this iconic composition. Or the more ethereal Guerlain Apres L'Ondee which is mainly the pairing of warm heliotropin with cool and shy violets
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REGULATIONS
Currently heliotropin is under reduced ratio of use in perfumery, according to IFRA regulations, because safrols in food have been proven to be carcinogenic and hepatotoxic. Therefore concerns about the inhaled and skin-absorbed quantity from scented products have resulted in a preventory measure, rationing heliotropin to much lower ratios than before. This may be why your favourite fragrance with heliotrope might start smelling less deep and almondy in the coming months.
You can find fragrances with heliotrope notes using our SEARCH by NOTES
