Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Time to harvest
- 150–365 days
Cultivation
This species cannot tolerate hard frosts. In areas that experience much frost, it is better to divide up the plant is the autumn, potting up the divisions and over-wintering them in a greenhouse before planting them back outdoors in late spring. Vetiveria grass is a fast-growing grass that is non-invasive, very deep rooting, insect and vermin proof. It is drought resistant, and also withstands inundation and has been known to tolerate occasional lows to around -9°c. It is much planted in the tropics and sub-tropics where its extensive root system makes it valuable for erosion control. 240
Propagation
Seed -
Edible uses
The roots are aromatic and are used as a food flavouring.
Material uses
The aromatic roots are used in pot-pourri and perfumes. The plant has deep-rooted and far-ranging roots that make it a valuable plant for controlling soil erosion in cultivated fields. It is often planted along the contour lines for this purpose.
Habitat
Open dry places at elevations up to 1000 metres in Nepal.
Native range
Tropics.