Vetiver, Vetiver Root, Khus Khus

Chrysopogon zizanioides

Physical Characteristics

Chrysopogon zizanioides is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 1.8 m (6ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid, very alkaline and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

E. Asia - Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Root Edible Uses: Oil Edible portion: Root - oil for flavouring. An essential oil obtained from the roots is used as a flavouring in sherbets, syrup sweets, fruit drinks and canned asparagus[ 46 , 301 ]. It is used in certain canned foods, such as asparagus and peas, to reinforce the natural odour and taste[ 310 ].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antispasmodic Carminative Diaphoretic Diuretic Emmenagogue Refrigerant Stimulant Stomachic Tonic The essential oil obtained from the roots is used medicinally as a carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, refrigerant, stomachic, tonic, antispasmodic and sudorific[ 310 ]. A stimulant drink is made from fresh rhizomes[ 310 ] The plants are used as an anthelmintic[ 310 ].

Known Hazards

None known