Cymbopogon
A grass genus used in cooking, medicine, and insect repellent.
Cymbopogon is a genus of grasses native to Asia, Africa, Australia, and various tropical islands. It goes by many common names, including lemongrass, barbed wire grass, silky heads, oily heads, Cochin grass, Malabar grass, citronella grass, and fever grass. Several species—most notably *Cymbopogon citratus*—are grown as culinary and medicinal herbs, prized for their lemony scent. The genus name comes from the Greek words *kymbe* (boat) and *pogon* (beard), referring to the hairy spikelets that emerge from boat-shaped spathes in most species. Lemongrass and its oil are thought to have therapeutic properties.
Citronella grass (*Cymbopogon nardus* and *Cymbopogon winterianus*) can reach about two meters in height and has stem bases that are typically green to reddish, not consistently magenta. These species are used to produce citronella oil, which appears in soaps, insect repellents (especially against mosquitoes and houseflies), insect sprays, candles, and aromatherapy products. The oil’s main chemical components, geraniol and citronellol, are antiseptic, so they are also found in household disinfectants and soaps. Unlike culinary lemongrass, citronella grass is not typically used as a flavoring due to its strong, bitter taste.
East Indian lemongrass (*Cymbopogon flexuosus*), also called Cochin grass or Malabar grass, is native to southern India and Sri Lanka, though it is widely cultivated in Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and other parts of India. West Indian lemongrass (*Cymbopogon citratus*) comes from maritime Southeast Asia. While the two can be used interchangeably in cooking, *C. citratus* is preferred for culinary purposes. Lemongrass oil has a fresh, sweet, lemon-like, grassy, green, and citrus aroma.
In India, *C. citratus* is used as a medicinal herb and in perfumes. In Brazilian folk medicine, it is consumed as a tea for anxiety, though a human study found no effect; one case reported that the tea triggered a recurrence of contact dermatitis. In Samoa and Tonga, mashed leaves of *C. citratus* (called *moegalo* and *moengālō*, respectively) are used as a traditional remedy for oral infections.
The United States Food and Drug Administration has declared lemongrass essential oil generally recognized as safe in food.
In Hoodoo folk magic, lemongrass is the main ingredient in van van oil, a popular conjure oil. It is used on its own
- field
- Botany
- known_for
- Culinary herb, citronella oil production, insect repellent, folk medicine
- native_regions
- Asia, Africa, Australia, tropical islands
- number_of_species
- 52
- notable_species
- Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon flexuosus, Cymbopogon nardus, Cymbopogon winterianus
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Cymbopogon
- Type Species
- Cymbopogon schoenanthus
- Type Species Authority
- (L.) Spreng.
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The name Cymbopogon derives from the Greek words kymbe ('boat') and pogon ('beard'), referring to the hairy spikelets that project from boat-shaped spathes in most species. East Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) is native to southern India and Sri Lanka, while West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is native to maritime Southeast Asia. Citronella grass species (Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus) grow to about 2 metres and have stem bases that are typically green to reddish, not consistently magenta.
Reader's Guide
Cymbopogon species hold significance across culinary, medicinal, and practical domains. In cooking, C. citratus is considered more suitable than C. flexuosus, though both can be used interchangeably. Citronella grass is cultivated for its oil, which contains antiseptic compounds geraniol and citronellol, used in soaps, insect repellents, candles, and household disinfectants. In folk medicine, C. citratus is used as a medical herb in India and as a tea for anxiety in Brazilian folk medicine, though a human study found no effect; one case reported contact dermatitis from the tea. Samoans and Tongans use mashed leaves as a traditional remedy for oral infections. In Hoodoo, lemongrass is the primary ingredient of van van oil, used for protection, spiritual cleansing, and bringing good luck in love affairs. In beekeeping, lemongrass oil mimics the Nasonov gland pheromone of honeybees to attract them to a hive or swarm. The United States Food and Drug Administration has declared lemongrass essential oil generally recognized as safe in food.
Did You Know?
- The name Cymbopogon comes from Greek words meaning 'boat' and 'beard,' referring to the shape of the spikelets.
- Citronella grass has stem bases that are typically green to reddish, not consistently magenta.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cymbopogon?
Cymbopogon is a genus of tropical grasses that includes 52 species, most famously the lemongrass used in kitchens worldwide. It also goes by names like citronella grass, barbed wire grass, and fever grass, depending on the species and region.
What is Cymbopogon best known for?
It is prized as a culinary herb with a bright lemony aroma, as a source of citronella oil for insect repellent, and as a staple in folk-medicine traditions across its native range. Its oil and fresh stalks appear in everything from Thai curries to homemade mosquito candles.
Where does Cymbopogon originally grow?
The genus is native to warm regions spanning Asia, Africa, Australia, and numerous tropical islands. These hot, humid climates suit the fast-growing grasses that thrive in well-drained soil and full sun.
What does the name Cymbopogon actually mean?
It comes from two Greek words: kymbe, meaning boat, and pogon, meaning beard. The name describes the distinctive boat-shaped spathes from which the grass's fuzzy, bearded spikelets emerge.
Which Cymbopogon species are the most notable?
The four most-cited species are C. citratus (the classic kitchen lemongrass), C. flexuosus (West Indian lemongrass), C. nardus (citronella grass used for oil), and C. winterianus (a close relative of C. nardus also tapped for citronella). Each serves a slightly different culinary or industrial role.
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