Lemongrass (香茅草)
Clump-forming grass up to 1.2 m tall or 2m tall when in flower.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf
COMMON NAME
Serai, West Indian Lemon Grass, Oil Grass, Fever Grass, Serai Makan, Sereh Makan, Lemongrass, 柠檬草, 柠檬香茅, 香茅草
CLASSIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS
Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) Plant Growth Form Grass & Grass-like Plant (Tall Grass (Poaceae)) Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic Plant Shape Grassy Maximum Height 0.6 m to 1.2 m Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width 0.6 m to 0.9 m PLANT CARE AND PROPAGATION
Light Preference Full Sun Water Preference Moderate Water Plant Growth Rate Fast Maintenance Requirements Moderate Propagation Method Storage Organ, Division, Stem Cutting Propagation Method Remarks Fresh stalks available in local markets can be rooted in water. USES
- The crushed stalk produces a lemony flavor which is used in a variety of Southeast Asian dishes, such as curries, seafood, poultry dishes, and soups like Tom Yam Soup.
- Medicinal:Leaves can be boiled to make a refreshing tea to relieve stomach cramps, flatulence, colic and other digestive problems. Leaf paste is applied as a poultice on joints to treat rheumatism and on the forehead to relieve headaches and fever. Roots are consumed to induce sweating and improve urine flow. Leaves can be placed in bathwater to treat cuts and wounds, reduce swelling, improve blood circulation and remove body odour.
- [Others]: Essential oils extracted from the leaf stalk is used in perfumes, cosmetics, skin care and aromatherapy products.
Disclaimer
The information in this website is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.