East Indian Lemon Grass ( Cymbopogon flexuosus ) is a perennial, herbaceous grass that is famous around the world for both its culinary and medicinal uses. As the name suggests it is native to India but also Burma, Thailand & Sri Lanka. Although this species is native to more tropical regions it will happily grow in temperate climates as well. In cooler climates the plant will die down as winter approaches and regrow from rhizomes as the weather warms again in Spring, or it can be over wintered in a pot indoors.
Cymbopogon flexuosus is used to flavour both food & beverages and is also used as a perfume to scent soap, candles, cosmetics and detergents. It can be used as an insect repellent and is a popular essential oil. The species is becoming more and more common as a landscaping plant because of it’s many uses, its attractive grassy foliage and ease of care.
Other common names for East Indian Lemon Grass are Malabar Grass and Cochin Grass.
Growth
Cymbopogon flexuosus is a clump forming grass and can grow up to approximately 1.2 metres tall and 1 metres wide. The plant grows from bulbous growths (culms) similar looking at the base to a spring onion. Leaves are green but often with a purplish tinge. When the leaves of this plant are rubbed or crushed a strong lemony smell is released into the air.
Lemon Grass can often be harvested as early 16 weeks and can be used either fresh or dried. Drying the leaves is simple, they just need to be left out in the sun and can be stored in an airtight container afterwards. Unused fresh leaves can be frozen for later use. For essential oil plants are usually harvested at around 4-8 months of age.
Lemon Grass can be grown in pots and containers. The plant is drought tolerant, however will perform better with regular watering.
FAMILY:
Poaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 38°C / 50 to 100°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining soil.
LOCATION:
Full sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.2 metres (4 foot)
WIDTH:
Up to 1 metre (3.2 feet)
pH:
5.0-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by insects, self fertile, bisexual flower
MATURITY:
Average 4-6 months
GERMINATION RATES:
40-62%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-21 days
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 2000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT CYMBOPOGON FLEXUOSUS (Lemon Grass – East Indian)
The leaves and essential oil have are used in traditional medicine to treat arthritis, digestive concerns, for antiseptic wound care, diabetes control, fever and headaches among other things.
Lemongrass can be used as a natural insect repellent however is not nearly as efficient as Cymbopogon citratus, which is the main source of citronella oil.
