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citronella grass
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citronella grass

plant
Also known as: Cymbopogon nardus
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Quick Summary

Citronella grass refers to two species of aromatic grasses, Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus, native to Asia. These grasses are cultivated for their essential oils, particularly citronella oil, which is derived from their leaves. Citronella oil is known for its strong citrus scent and is widely used in perfumes, cosmetics, and as an insect repellent. The plant itself is a robust perennial with long, narrow leaves that can reach up to 2 meters in height. While closely related to lemongrass, which is used in Asian cuisine, citronella grass's primary value lies in its fragrant oil.1234

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
4 Britannica Sources
  1. oil grass
  2. citronella oil
  3. lemongrass
  4. citronella

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