Cymbopogon winterianus

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Photographs by: Dr. Maulik Gadani

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  • Botanical Name : Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt ex Bor
  • Common Name : Citronella, Citronella Grass
  • Plant Family : Poaceae (Gramineae)
  • Plant Form : Grasses
  • Occurrence (Special Areas) : Indroda Park

About Cymbopogon winterianus Plant :

  • Habit :
    • A perennial, shallowly rooted grass.
    • Culms tufted, robust.
  • Leaves : Glabrous, reddish inside, leaf blades relatively thin, upper surface glaucous, lower surface light green, margins scabrid, base narrow, apex long acuminate.
  • Inflorescence and Flowers : Panicles with sessile spikelets elliptic-lanceolate, lower glume flat or slightly concave, 2-keeled, 3-veined between keels.
  • Significance :
    • The citronella oil obtained from steam distillation of leaves is considered rubifacient, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, sedating, analgesic.
    • It is employed in traditional mosquito repellents and household fumigants.
    • It is also used as food flavoring agent, in beverages, baked goods, cereals, candies, dairy products, gelatins and puddings.
    • It is also used in aroma therapy.