Osmanthus is a shrub with white flowers native to Asia. It is cultivated in Japan. These give off a powerful scent. The osmanthus is also called “Chinese olive tree” or “Olive tree of tea” because the infusions of its flowers have been drunk for thousands of years. Extraction of the flowers with volatile solvents gives the osmanthus absolute. This is a highly prized ingredient in perfumery. Its scent is quite complex and can take on many facets: sweet, sour and floral, which can evoke apricot jam. But there are also slightly animal shades with leathery accents.