Cymbopogon: Difference between revisions

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Cymbopogon
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{{Short description|Genus of grasses}}
{{Short description|Genus of grasses}}
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'''''Cymbopogon''''', also known as '''lemongrass''', '''barbed wire grass''', '''silky heads''', '''oily heads''', '''Cochin grass''', '''Malabar grass''', '''citronella grass''' or '''fever grass''', is a genus of [[Asia]]n, [[Africa]]n, [[Australia]]n, and tropical island plants in the [[Poaceae|grass family]].
'''''Cymbopogon''''', also known as '''lemongrass''', '''barbed wire grass''', '''silky heads''', '''oily heads''', '''Cochin grass''', '''Malabar grass''', '''citronella grass''' or '''fever grass''', is a genus of [[Asia]]n, [[Africa]]n, [[Australia]]n, and tropical island plants in the [[Poaceae|grass family]].
Some species (particularly ''[[Cymbopogon citratus]]'') are commonly cultivated as culinary and medicinal herbs because of their scent, resembling that of [[lemon]]s (''Citrus limon'').
Some species (particularly ''[[Cymbopogon citratus]]'') are commonly cultivated as culinary and medicinal herbs because of their scent, resembling that of [[lemon]]s (''Citrus limon'').
The name ''Cymbopogon'' derives from the Greek words {{lang|grc-Latn|kymbe}} ({{lang|grc|κύμβη}}, 'boat') and {{lang|grc-Latn|pogon}} ({{lang|grc|πώγων}}, 'beard') "which mean [that] in most species, the hairy spikelets project from boat-shaped spathes." Lemongrass and its oil are believed to possess therapeutic properties.
The name ''Cymbopogon'' derives from the Greek words {{lang|grc-Latn|kymbe}} ({{lang|grc|κύμβη}}, 'boat') and {{lang|grc-Latn|pogon}} ({{lang|grc|πώγων}}, 'beard') "which mean [that] in most species, the hairy spikelets project from boat-shaped spathes." Lemongrass and its oil are believed to possess therapeutic properties.


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== Uses ==
== Uses ==
Citronella grass (''[[Cymbopogon nardus]]'' and ''[[Cymbopogon winterianus]]'') grow to about {{convert|2|m|ft|frac=2}} and have magenta-colored base stems. These species are used for the production of [[citronella oil]], which is used in soaps, as an [[insect repellent]] (especially mosquitoes and houseflies) in insect sprays and candles, and aromatherapy. The principal chemical constituents of citronella, [[geraniol]] and [[citronellol]], are [[antiseptic]]s, hence their use in household disinfectants and soaps. Besides oil production, citronella grass is also used for culinary purposes as a flavoring.
Citronella grass (''[[Cymbopogon nardus]]'' and ''[[Cymbopogon winterianus]]'') grow to about {{convert|2|m|ft|frac=2}} and have magenta-colored base stems. These species are used for the production of [[citronella oil]], which is used in soaps, as an [[insect repellent]] (especially mosquitoes and houseflies) in insect sprays and candles, and aromatherapy. The principal chemical constituents of citronella, [[geraniol]] and [[citronellol]], are [[antiseptic]]s, hence their use in household disinfectants and soaps. Besides oil production, citronella grass is also used for culinary purposes as a flavoring.


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=== Culinary ===
=== Culinary ===
[[File:Cymbopogon citratus leaves.jpg|thumb|left|''C. citratus'' from the [[Philippines]], where it is locally known as ''tanglad'']]
[[File:Cymbopogon citratus leaves.jpg|thumb|left|''C. citratus'' from the [[Philippines]], where it is locally known as ''tanglad'']]
East Indian lemongrass (''[[Cymbopogon flexuosus]]''), also called Cochin grass or Malabar grass, is native to [[Cambodia]], [[Vietnam]], [[Laos]], [[India]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Burma]], and [[Thailand]], while West Indian lemongrass (''[[Cymbopogon citratus]]'') is native to [[maritime Southeast Asia]]. While both can be used interchangeably, ''C. citratus'' is more suitable for cooking.
East Indian lemongrass (''[[Cymbopogon flexuosus]]''), also called Cochin grass or Malabar grass, is native to [[Cambodia]], [[Vietnam]], [[Laos]], [[India]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Burma]], and [[Thailand]], while West Indian lemongrass (''[[Cymbopogon citratus]]'') is native to [[maritime Southeast Asia]]. While both can be used interchangeably, ''C. citratus'' is more suitable for cooking.


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=== Folk medicine ===
=== Folk medicine ===
In India, ''C. citratus'' is used as a medical herb and in perfumes. ''C. citratus'' is consumed as a tea for anxiety in Brazilian folk medicine, but a study in humans found no effect. The tea caused a recurrence of [[contact dermatitis]] in one case. [[Samoa]]ns and [[Tonga]]ns use mashed ''C. citratus'' (called ''moegalo'' and ''moengālō'' respectively) leaves as a traditional remedy for oral infections.
In India, ''C. citratus'' is used as a medical herb and in perfumes. ''C. citratus'' is consumed as a tea for anxiety in Brazilian folk medicine, but a study in humans found no effect. The tea caused a recurrence of [[contact dermatitis]] in one case. [[Samoa]]ns and [[Tonga]]ns use mashed ''C. citratus'' (called ''moegalo'' and ''moengālō'' respectively) leaves as a traditional remedy for oral infections.


=== FDA classification ===
=== FDA classification === <!--T:6-->


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Lemongrass essential oil has been declared [[generally recognized as safe]] in food by the United States [[Food and Drug Administration]].
Lemongrass essential oil has been declared [[generally recognized as safe]] in food by the United States [[Food and Drug Administration]].


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==== Folk magic ====
==== Folk magic ====
In [[Hoodoo (folk magic)|Hoodoo]], lemongrass is the primary ingredient of [[van van oil]], one of the most popular oils used in conjure. Lemongrass is used in this preparation and on its own in hoodoo to protect against evil, spiritually clean a house, and to bring good luck in love affairs.
In [[Hoodoo (folk magic)|Hoodoo]], lemongrass is the primary ingredient of [[van van oil]], one of the most popular oils used in conjure. Lemongrass is used in this preparation and on its own in hoodoo to protect against evil, spiritually clean a house, and to bring good luck in love affairs.


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=== Insect ===
=== Insect ===
In [[beekeeping]], lemongrass oil imitates the [[pheromone]] emitted by a [[honeybee]]'s [[Nasonov gland]] to attract bees to a hive or a swarm.
In [[beekeeping]], lemongrass oil imitates the [[pheromone]] emitted by a [[honeybee]]'s [[Nasonov gland]] to attract bees to a hive or a swarm.


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==Species==
==Species==
Species in the genus currently number 52 and include:
Species in the genus currently number 52 and include:
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;Formerly included
;Formerly included
Numerous species are now regarded as better suited to other genera, including ''[[Andropogon]]'', ''[[Exotheca]]'', ''[[Hyparrhenia]]'', ''[[Iseilema]]'', ''[[Schizachyrium]]'', and ''[[Themeda]]''.
Numerous species are now regarded as better suited to other genera, including ''[[Andropogon]]'', ''[[Exotheca]]'', ''[[Hyparrhenia]]'', ''[[Iseilema]]'', ''[[Schizachyrium]]'', and ''[[Themeda]]''.


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==Images==
==Images==
<gallery perrow="6" style="padding:0px;border:0px;">
<gallery perrow="6" style="padding:0px;border:0px;">
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Cookbook|Lemongrass}}
{{Cookbook|Lemongrass}}
* {{Commons category-inline|Cymbopogon}}
* {{Commons category-inline|Cymbopogon}}


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{{Herbs & spices}}
{{Herbs & spices}}


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[[Category:Cymbopogon| ]]
[[Category:Cymbopogon| ]]
[[Category:Grasses of Africa]]
[[Category:Grasses of Africa]]

Latest revision as of 12:44, 3 July 2025

Other languages:

Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Panicoideae
Supertribe: Andropogonodae
Tribe: Andropogoneae
Subtribe: Andropogoninae
Genus: Cymbopogon
Spreng.
Type species
Cymbopogon schoenanthus
Synonyms
  • Andropogon sect. Cymbopogon (Spreng.) Steud.
  • Andropogon subg. Cymbopogon (Spreng.) Nees
  • Gymnanthelia Andersson

Cymbopogon, also known as lemongrass, barbed wire grass, silky heads, oily heads, Cochin grass, Malabar grass, citronella grass or fever grass, is a genus of Asian, African, Australian, and tropical island plants in the grass family. Some species (particularly Cymbopogon citratus) are commonly cultivated as culinary and medicinal herbs because of their scent, resembling that of lemons (Citrus limon). The name Cymbopogon derives from the Greek words kymbe (κύμβη, 'boat') and pogon (πώγων, 'beard') "which mean [that] in most species, the hairy spikelets project from boat-shaped spathes." Lemongrass and its oil are believed to possess therapeutic properties.

Uses

Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus) grow to about 2 metres (6 1⁄2 ft) and have magenta-colored base stems. These species are used for the production of citronella oil, which is used in soaps, as an insect repellent (especially mosquitoes and houseflies) in insect sprays and candles, and aromatherapy. The principal chemical constituents of citronella, geraniol and citronellol, are antiseptics, hence their use in household disinfectants and soaps. Besides oil production, citronella grass is also used for culinary purposes as a flavoring.

Culinary

C. citratus from the Philippines, where it is locally known as tanglad

East Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), also called Cochin grass or Malabar grass, is native to Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, India, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand, while West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is native to maritime Southeast Asia. While both can be used interchangeably, C. citratus is more suitable for cooking.

Folk medicine

In India, C. citratus is used as a medical herb and in perfumes. C. citratus is consumed as a tea for anxiety in Brazilian folk medicine, but a study in humans found no effect. The tea caused a recurrence of contact dermatitis in one case. Samoans and Tongans use mashed C. citratus (called moegalo and moengālō respectively) leaves as a traditional remedy for oral infections.

FDA classification

Lemongrass essential oil has been declared generally recognized as safe in food by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Folk magic

In Hoodoo, lemongrass is the primary ingredient of van van oil, one of the most popular oils used in conjure. Lemongrass is used in this preparation and on its own in hoodoo to protect against evil, spiritually clean a house, and to bring good luck in love affairs.

Insect

In beekeeping, lemongrass oil imitates the pheromone emitted by a honeybee's Nasonov gland to attract bees to a hive or a swarm.

Species

Species in the genus currently number 52 and include:

Formerly included

Numerous species are now regarded as better suited to other genera, including Andropogon, Exotheca, Hyparrhenia, Iseilema, Schizachyrium, and Themeda.

Images

  • Lemongrass at a market
    Lemongrass at a market
  • Prepared lemongrass
    Prepared lemongrass
  • Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) essential oil in clear glass vial
    Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) essential oil in clear glass vial
  • Thai yam takhrai kung sot (ยำตะไคร้กุ้งสด), a salad (yam) made with prawns and finely sliced fresh lemongrass
    Thai yam takhrai kung sot (ยำตะไคร้กุ้งสด), a salad (yam) made with prawns and finely sliced fresh lemongrass
  • A knot of lemongrass used to impart fragrance in dinuguan (Filipino pork blood stew)
    A knot of lemongrass used to impart fragrance in dinuguan (Filipino pork blood stew)
  • Knots of lemongrass ready for use in Filipino cuisine
    Knots of lemongrass ready for use in Filipino cuisine


External links

Wikibooks Cookbook has a recipe/module on
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