 Lemon Grass There are more than 50 species of Cymbopogon. The East-Indian Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) is native to India, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand while the West-Indian Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is assumed to have its origins in Malaysia. While both can be used interchangeably, C. citratus is more suited for cooking. In India C. citratus is used both as a medical herb and in perfumes.
Other species used in the perfume industry are Cymbopogon martini (distilled into palmarosa oil) and Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt) from which citronella oil is obtained. Candles or incense made with high concentrations of citronella oil can be used as mosquito repellents.
Partial species list
- West-Indian Lemon Grass, Cymbopogon citriodora
- East-Indian Lemon Grass, Cymbopogon flexuosus
- Citronella Grass, Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt
- Cymbopogon martini
|
