Cymbopogon nardus

Cymbopogon nardus, common name citronella grass, is a perennial aromatic plant from the family Poaceae, originating in tropical Asia.

  • It is the source of an essential oil known as "citronella oil".
  • Cannot be eaten because of its unpalatable nature.
  • Is an invasive species that renders pastureland useless as cattle will starve even in its abundance.

Cymbopogon nardus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Panicoideae
Genus: Cymbopogon
Species:
C. nardus
Binomial name
Cymbopogon nardus
Synonyms

Andropogon nardus Linnaeus, 1753

Ethnobotanical uses

Essential oils are extracted from the aerial parts, and are applied topically as an insect repellent.

References

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