For the folk band, see Vetiver (band).

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) is a clump forming grass up to 2 meters in height with roots that penetrate to 3 meters. Vetiver is closely related to other fragrant grasses such as Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) and Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii). Vetiver is most easily propagated vegetatively due to the fact that most varieties produce limited amounts of viable seed while others don’t flower at all. Vetiver is a long-lived perennial and can survive up to 50 years or more.

Habitat

Vetiver is native to the Indian subcontinent, but is widely cultivated in Indonesia, the West Indies, Africa and Polynesia. Large producers include India, Java, Haiti and Reunion.

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 vertically to 9 feet or more. The close growing culms also help to block the runoff of surface water. For these reasons, vetiver hedges are planted alongside roads and as borders to rice paddies and other crop fields planted on steep grades. 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.

Other uses

The leaves are used in basketry and mat weaving and also make an excellent roof thatching. The fragrant roots are woven into screens and fans and other household items. An essential oil is steam-distilled from the dried, chopped roots. The oil is known as Vetiver or vetivert and khus khus or Oil of Tranquility in India. It is thick and amber in color. It is much used as a fixative in perfumery. The scent is deep, earthy and woody with an almost lemony overtone and is very tenacious. It is used in aromatherapy to help relieve stress and to promote relaxation.