Camel grass, Geranium grass
Cymbopogon schoenanthus

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A grass. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves have a lemon smell when crushed.

It is also used as a medicine.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in the tropics and subtropics. It grows in stony, sandy and clay soils. It grows between 15-2,400 m above sea level. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall less than 250 mm. It grows in desert and semi-desert areas. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Algeria, Arabia, Asia, Bahrain, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Iran, Jordan, Mali, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, Myanmar, North Africa, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, SE Asia, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, UAE, West Africa, Yemen

How it is used for food

The leaves are used for flavouring. They are cooked with meat. They are also used for tea.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea, leaves - flavouring

How it is grown

It is fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Camel's hay, Caws-dameer, Lemon grass, Oil-plant

Synonyms

Andropogon schoenanthus L.;