Lemon grass

Lemon grass (Cymbopogon), also known as barbed wire grass, silky heads, cochin grass, Malabar grass, Oily heads or fever grass, is a genus of Asian, African, Australian, and tropical island plants in the grass family.

Description

Some species (particularly Cymbopogon citratus) are commonly cultivated as culinary and medicinal herbs because of their scent, resembling that of lemons (Citrus limon). Common names include lemon grass, lemongrass, barbed wire grass, silky heads, citronella grass, cha de Dartigalongue, fever grass, tanglad, hierba Luisa, or gavati chahapati, amongst many others.

Uses

Lemon grass is commonly used in teas, soups, and curries. It is also suitable for use with poultry, fish, beef, and seafood. It is often used as a tea in African countries such as Togo, south Asian countries such as India as well as in Latin American countries such as Mexico. Lemon grass oil is used as a pesticide and a preservative. Research shows that lemon grass oil has antifungal properties.

Cultivation

While it can be grown in warmer temperate regions, such as the UK, it is not hardy to frost. In the US, lemongrass can grow in USDA Zones 10 and warmer, and can be potted and brought indoors for the winter in cooler climates.

Species

There are over 50 species of lemongrass, some of which include:

• Cymbopogon citratus (West Indian lemongrass)
• Cymbopogon flexuosus (East Indian lemongrass)
• Cymbopogon martinii (Palmarosa)
• Cymbopogon nardus (Citronella grass)
• Cymbopogon winterianus (Java citronella grass)

See also

• List of lemon grass diseases
• Citrus taxonomy
• Herb
• Lemon balm
• Lemon verbena

References

Lemon grass Resources
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