- For the folk band, see Vetiver (band).
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Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is a perennial grass of the Poaceae native to India. The name vetiver is native to the Tamil language. Old Tamil literature mentions the usage of vetiver for medical purposes. Vetiver can grow up to 1.5 meters high and form clumps as wide. The stems are tall and the leaves are long, thin and rather rigid. The flowers are brownish purple. Unlike most grasses which form horizontally spreading mat-like root systems, vetiver's roots grow downward up to 2-4 meters in depth. Vetiver is closely related to other fragrant grasses such as Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus), citronella (Cymbopogon nardus, C. winterianus) and Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii). Though it originates in India, Vetiver is widely cultivated in the tropical regions of the world. The world's major producers include Haiti, India, Java, and Réunion.
Uses
Erosion control
Several aspects of vetiver make it an excellent erosion control plant in warmer climates. Unlike most grasses, vetiver does not form a horizontal mat of roots, rather the roots grow almost exclusively downward up to 2-4 meters. This makes vetiver an excellent stabilizing hedge for stream banks, terraces and rice paddies. The close growing culms also help to block the runoff of surface water. Because vetiver propagates itself by small offsets instead of underground stolons, it is non invasive and can easily be controlled by cultivation of the soil at the boundary of the hedge.
Aromatherapy and perfumery
Vetiver is mainly cultivated for the fragrant essential oil distilled from its roots. Worldwide production is estimated at about 250 tons per annum (Lavania). Due to its excellent fixative properties, vetiver is used widely in high end perfumes. It is contained in 36% of all western perfumes (Lavania). Haiti is one of the leading producers of vetiver in the world, along with Java, China, India, Brazil and Japan. The United States, Europe, India (also a producer) and Japan (also a producer) are the main consumers.
Composition
Vetiver oil is a complex oil containing over 100 identified components. Typical make up is as follows:
The oil is amber brown and rather thick. The odor of vetiver oil is described as deep, sweet, woody, smoky, earthy, amber, balsam. The best quality oil is obtained from roots that are 18 to 24 months old. The roots are dug up and cleaned then dried. Before the distillation, the roots are chopped and soaked in water. The distillation process can take up to 18 to 24 hours. After the distillate separates into the essential oil and hydrosol, the oil is skimmed off and allowed to age for a few months to allow some undesireable notes which form during the distillation to dissipate. Like patchouli and sandalwood essential oils, the odor of vetiver develops and improves with aging. The characteristics of the oil can vary significantly depending on where the grass is grown and the climate and soil conditions. The oil distilled in Haiti and Réunion has a more floral quality to it and is considered of higher quality than the oil from Java which has a smokier scent. In the north of India, an oil is distilled from wild-growing vetiver. This oil is known as Khus or Khas and is considered superior to the oil obtained from the cultivated variety. It is rarely found outside of India as most of it is consumed within the country.
References
- Germplasm Resources Information Network: Chrysopogon zizanioides
- Veldkamp, J. F. (1999). A revision of Chrysopogon Trin., including Vetiveria Bory (Poaceae) in Thailand and Malesia with notes on some other species from Africa and Australia. Austrobaileya 5: 522–523.
- THE VETIVER NETWORK
- The Good Scents Company
- Other Uses and Utilization of Vetiver: Vetiver Oil - U.C. Lavania - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow-336 015, India
- Design Principles and Engineering Samples of Applying Vetiver Eco-Engineering Technologyfor Step Slope and Riverbank Stabilisation - Chengchun Ke, Ziyuan Feng, Xijing Wu and Figen Tu
- E. Guenther, The Essential Oils Vol. 4 (New York: Van Nostrand Company INC, 1990), 178-181, cited in Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (Australia: The Perfect Potion, 1997), 205.]
- Ruh Khus(Wild Vetiver Oil)/Oil of Tranquility - Christopher McMahon