Scientific name: Cymbopogon nardus (L.) rendle
Synonym: Andropogon nardus L..
Common name: Citronella
Local name: Serai wangi
Family: Graminae
Plant: Citronella is a tall fragrant perennial grass, growing up to a height of 1 - 1.5 m
Leaves: The leaves are sessile, simple, green, linear, equitantly arranged and can grow to an average size of 60 cm long x 2.5 cm wide. The leaf is glabrous, venation parallel with an acuminate apice and sheathing base
Stem: There are no true stems. The leaf sheath is tubular and acts as a pseudostem.
Root/rhizome: The rhizome is stout, creeping, robust and creamish yellow in section.
PLANT PARTS USED: Leaves
Crop maturity: 2.5 - 3 months
Harvesting method: The crop is normally cut about 5 cm above the leaf sheath (pseudostem). The leaves are left to wilt in the sun until the water level is reduced by 30 -50 % before it is sent for oil extraction. Subsequent harvest is carried out after a period of 1.5 months.
USES IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
- Stomach complaints: essential oil is rubbed topically for comfort
- Insect repellant: the dried or injured leaves used to ward off insects
- After childbirth wash: A decoction of the citronella leaves with Gendarussa and betel-pepper used.
INDUSTRIALLY IMPORTANT CHEMICALS
Caryophyllene
citronellol
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