Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty

Akar wangi or vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is a grass 1-1.5 meters tall of the Poaceae family, originating from India and long known as a source of natural fragrance. Its dried root has traditionally been used to scent closets storing batik and keris thanks to its distinctive essential oil content. Vetiver root is also believed to help relieve rheumatism, fever, and prevent kidney stones.

Vetiver grass grows well at elevations of around 300-2,000 m above sea level and produces well at elevations of 600-1,500 m above sea level. Its growth requires soil conditions with an acidity (pH) of around 6-7, rainfall around 140 days/year, temperature around 17-27 °C. Vetiver prefers direct sunlight, generally growing in sandy soil (andosol) or volcanic ash soil on hillside slopes.

• Roots deep fibrous.
• Leaves line-shaped, flat, stiff, 30-75 cm long, 4-10 mm wide, smooth underside.
• Flowers a terminal panicle (compound raceme), 15-40 cm long, arranged in 6-10 whorls, each cluster reaching 10 cm long. The segment formed between the cluster and the flower stalk is thread-shaped, but appears thickened at the apex.

Propagated vegetatively, namely dividing a clump consisting of one or several shoots.

Vetivone, khumisol, cadanene, cedrene, β-humulene, sesquiterpenones (benzoic acid, vetiverol, furfural, α and β-vetivone, vetivene and vetivenyl vetivenate), alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, terpenoids, saponins.

Carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic, addresses rheumatism, gout and aches, swelling, fever, removes bad breath, dandruff and lice, treats wounds, prevents kidney stones.

Information not yet available.

Hapias, Usar (Batak), Urek usa (Minangkabau), Useur (Gayo), Janur, Narwastu, Usar (Sunda), Larasetu, Larawastu (Central Java).