Perris Montecarlo

Patchouli nosy be

Eau de parfum

Nosy Be or Nossi-bé is an island just off the northwest coast of Madagascar. It belongs to the province of Antsiranana, and has 60,000 inhabitants. In Malagasy language, "Nosy Be" means "Big Island" (it is in fact the largest island of the archipelago) but it is known and nicknamed "Nosy Manitra" that is "Scented Island" thanks to the intense perfumes that are breathed in the air and everywhere on the island famous for its numerous plants and spices, in particular Ylang Ylang, vanilla, coffee, cocoa, pepper, geranium, cinnamon, frangipani, and plants typical of the North of Madagascar. The island is of volcanic origin, the tropical climate that regulates the seasons, make Nosy Be an island with an exceptional fauna and flora.

Patchouli is a plant traditionally grown in Indonesia, China and India, historically its leaves were used to keep away from precious fabrics such as silk and cashmere. The smell impregnated the fabrics and the women who were honored could appreciate the intoxicating smell combined with the precious fabrics. In Madagascar there were no Patchouli plantations, an attempt made a few years ago was unsuccessful due to the excessive heat present on the mother island. Mr. Camarat, director of Robertet's Ylang Ylang plantation had a brilliant intuition, he recovered seedlings from the disused plantation, propagated them by hand and replanted them on the island of Nosy Be, taking care to protect them from the powerful rays of the sun. through plants that shade the plantation. The skilful work of Mr. Camarat has made possible the birth of a new quality of Patchouli essential oil, the herbaceous, mold and camphor notes are less present while dry woody notes and bitter cocoa aromas are emphasized in this splendid Patchouli quality. . The work to treat the plants is long and laborious, and also the harvesting is particularly demanding given the low height of the plants. The selection of the leaves is done strictly by hand, the best are those that begin to yellow and then leave them for at least a week in a dry and shady environment. During this period the leaves, losing humidity, will keep the precious essential oil in greater concentration.