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Vetiveria zizanioides
Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash, vetiver or khus-khus grass, Poaceae, is an indistinctive grass, but for the roots which have a characteristic fragrance, making it one of the most popular aromatic species. Vetiver is native to India and Sri Lanka.
Vetiver oil, a combination of essential oils from the roots, is of commercial interest.
Vetiver root paste or its extract is used as a diaphoretic, stimulant, and refrigerant, in colic, flatulence and obstinate vomiting and as an emmenagogue. Vetiver oil is applied externally in rheumatism, lumbago, and sprains. Vetiver oil is popular in Aromatherapy.
Vetiver oil is used in a variety of ways in the perfume industry. The roots are often used to disinfect and flavour drinking water (see Disinfecting Drinking Wateer1).
Mats made of vetiver roots, hung over windows and doors, are wetted with water, to facilitate cool and fragrant air into rooms, during summer.
The plants produce very thick mats of roots as seen in Vetiveria zizanioides1.