Vetiver, Botha grass
Chrysopogon zizanioides

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A tropical grass. It keeps growing from year to year. It has stout roots. It grows 2 m high. It grows in dense tufts. The leaf blades are 90 cm long by 4-10 mm wide. The flower panicle is oblong and 13-30 cm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in areas that are seasonally flooded. It grows in ponds and ditches. It is good for cleaning dirty water.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Cuba, East Africa, Grenada, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Marquesas, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific, Pakistan, Paraguay, Rotuma, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, South America, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, West Africa, West Indies, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fragrant oil is used to flavour sherbets, syrup sweets and fruit drinks. Vetivar extracts are added to canned asparagus to enhance the flavour.

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Root - oil for flavouring

How it is grown

It can be grown from rhizomes and rooted stems.

Its other names

Local names

Akar wangi, Bena, Janur, Kaing-de-o-bok, Khas-khas, Khus-khus, Kusu-kusu, Larasetu, Larawastu, Myet-myit-hmwe, Nara setu, Nara wastu, Narawastu, Panyin-myet-hmwe, Ramacham, Reshira, Sugandhimula, Thedzi, Usar

Synonyms

Agrostis verticillata Lam.; Anatherum muricatum (Retz.) P. Beauv.; Andropogon muricatus Retz.; Andropogon squarrosus Hook.f. non Linn.f.; Andropogon zizanioides Urban; Anatherum zizanioides (Linn.) Hitchcock & Chase; Phalaris zizanioides Linn.; Sorghum zizanioides (Linn.) O. Ktze; Vetiveria muricata (Retz.) Griseb.; Vetiveria odorata Virey; Vetiveria odoratissima Lem.-Lisanc.; Vetiveria zizanoides (L.) Nash and others