Cymbopogon martini

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Photographs by: Dr. Maulik Gadani

Botanical Name : Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.) W. Watson
Synonyms : Andropogon martini Roxb.
Common Name : Rosha Ghans, Roicha Ghans, Gandharu Ghas
Plant Family : Poaceae (Gramineae)
According to the Rules of ICBN the names of the families should end in -aceae. Thus the new name for the family Gramineae became Poaceae. However, the name Gramineae is also exempted and conserved under 'Nomina Conservanda' because of their constant use for a long time.
Plant Form : Grasses
Occurrence (Special Areas) : Indroda Park

Habit : A tall perennial herbs with long wiry fibres.
Stem : Culms erect, from 90-180 cm high, often ramous, smooth, filled with a spongy pith.
Leaves :
- Very long, tapering to a very fine point, smooth in every part and of a soft, delicate texture.
- Sheaths shorter than the joints on full grown plants, with a membranous stipulary process at the mouth.
Inflorescence : Spikelets
Flowers :
- Panicles axillary or terminal, spikelets paired, but with only three joints.
- Flowers also paired.
- Rachis jointed and woolly.
- Calyx one-flowered, two valved, base girt with wool.
- Carol one-valved, a long, black, awn occupies the place of the other, which has two small filaments near its base.
- Nectary two, minute.
Flowering and fruiting Time : August-December
Significance :
- Palmarosa or motia oil obtained from it is extensively used for adulterating Attar of Roses.
- It is also used as a base for several perfumes and in cosmetics.
- Along with sandalwood oil, it is used in ointments for warding off mosquitoes.
- It is also used in remedy of lumbago and stiff joints as well as in skin diseases.