Chrysopogon Zizanioides, is commonly known as Vetiver and khus, is a perennial bunchgrass of the family Poaceae.
Vetiver is most closely related to Sorghum but shares many morphological characteristics with other fragrant grasses such as Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus), Citronella (Cymbopogon Martinii).
Description
Vetiver grows to 150 centimeters (5ft) high and forms clumps as wide. Under favorable conditions, the erect clumps can reach 3m in height. The stems are tall and the leaves are long, thin and rather rigid. The flowers are brownish-purple. Unlike most grasses, which form horizontally spreading mat-like root systems, vetiver’s roots grow downward, 2 metres (7ft) to 4 metres (13) in depth.
The Vetiver bunch grass has a gregarious habit and grows in tuffs. Shoots growing from the underground crown make the plant frost and wildlife resistant, and allow it to survive heavy grazing pressure, the leaves can become millimeters (0.3in) wide. The panicles are 15 centimeters (6in) to 30 centimeters (12in) long and have whorled, 23 millimeters branches. The spikelets are in pairs, and there are three stamens.
The plant systems are erect and stiff. They can survive deep water flow, under clear water the plant can survive up to two months. The roots system of Vetiver is finely structured and very strong. It can grow 3 metres (10ft) to 4 metres (13ft) deep within the first year. Vetiver has neither stolons nor rhizomes because of all these characteristics, the Vetiver plant is highly drought-tolerant and can help to protect soil against sleet erosion. In case of sediment deposition, new roots can grow out of buried nodes.
Uses
Vetiver grass is grown for many purposes. The plant helps to stabilize soil and protects it against erosion, but it can also protect fields against pests and weeds. Vetiver has favorable qualities for animal feed. From the roots, oil is extracted and used for cosmetics, aromatherapy, herbal skincare and ayurvedic soap. Its fibrous properties make it useful for handicrafts, ropes and more.
Skin Care
Vetiver has been used to produce perfumes, creams and soaps. It is used for its antiseptic properties to treat acne and sores.
Soil and Water Conservation
Erosion control- Several aspects of Vetiver make it an excellent erosion control plant in warmer climates. Vetiver’s roots grow almost exclusively downward. 2 metres (7ft) to 4 meters (13ft), which is deeper than some tree roots. This makes Vetiver an excellent stabilizing hedge for stream banks, terraces and rice paddies, and protects soil from sheet erosion. The roots bind to the soil, therefore it cannot dislodge. Vetiver has been used to stabilize railway cuttings/embankments in geologically challenge situations in an attempt to prevent mudslides and rock falls, such as the Konkan railway in western India. The plant also penetrates and loosens compacted soils. Vetiver was advocated for erosion control in Thailand by the late King Bhumibol.
The Vetiver system, a technology of soil conservation and water quality management, based on the use of vetiver plant.
Runoff mitigation and Water Conservation
The close-growing culms help to block surface runoff. It slows the water flow and increases the amount absorbed by the soil infiltration. It can withstand water velocity up to 5 meters per second (16ft/s)
Vetiver mulch increases water infiltration and reduces evaporation, thus protecting soil moisture under hot and dry conditions. The mulch also protects against splash erosion, In West African regions, such as Mali and Senegal, Vetiver roots were traditionally used to reduce bacteria proliferation in water jugs and jars. In Indonesia the roots are widely used in the production of fragrant mats. In the Philippines and India, the roots are woven to make fragrant-smelling fans called “sandal root fans”.
The central component of the Vetiver System is Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon Zizanioides), a sterile, non-invasive tropical bunchgrass. It is used throughout the tropics in a wide- range of applications including erosion control, degraded land remediation, soil conservation, run-off retention, remediation of polluted land and water bodies, in constructed wetland sanitation systems, for supplemental fodder, as thatch, for many handicrafts, for biofuel, and as a source of expensive oil. Vetiver grass is a safe and valuable addition to any smallholder farm or agroforestry system as well as for those working in infrastructure.