Common name: Lemongrass

West Indian Lemongrass is probably native to Malaysia, Indonesia or Sri Lanka, but the exact origin is unknown because it has been cultivated for so long that it is unknown in its wild form.

It is a coarse, densely clumping grass growing to around 1 meter in height. Leaves are about 1meter long by 1 cm wide, pale blue-green in colour, with razor-like edges and are curved over, causing the plant to have a graceful, weeping look. Leaves grow from bulbous, hollow cane-like stems attached to short rhizomes, which anchor the plant to the ground. Lemongrass rarely produces flowers, but when produced they are in a loose branched panicle about 5 cm long on a tall, leafless flower-stalk about 1.5 meters high. As the name suggests, the stem and leaves have a distinct lemon flavour, due to the high presence of citral, the substance also found in the rind of lemons.

When crushed, the leaves release a citrus aroma and is the part mainly used for medicines. The favoured part for cooking is the white base of the stem after the tougher outer layers are peeled away. Lemongrass grows easily in most tropical regions and needs little attention. It prefers nutrient rich, well-drained soil and full sun.

Lemongrass was used by the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians as a source of aromatic oil for use in perfumery, flavourings and herbal medicine and its use today has changed little since those ancient times. It is now widely distributed throughout most tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. It is a common herbal medicine in Asia considered to have properties useful in treating coughs and colds, reducing swelling, improving blood circulation, and acting as a diuretic. Around the year 1800 is was introduced into Jamaica and is commonly known there as fever-grass, used mainly to make a tea or a cooling drink as a remedy for fevers and headaches. The distinctive lemon fragrance of lemongrass stems is essential to create authentic Asian dishes. Lemongrass is used to flavour Asian curries and is particularly good in chicken soup. Minced, it can be added to stuffing for fish or chicken, or added to a marinade. In Vietnam it is combined with garlic and used in stir-fries, while in Malaysia it is paired with fresh turmeric and shrimp paste. Stems must be crushed, bruised or cut for use in cooking, otherwise there is little to no identifiable aroma. Stems can be stored for future use by enclosing them in plastic and keeping them in the freezer. Dried leaves are made into delicious lemon flavoured tea and tied in bunches they can be added to soups or stews to impart a subtle lemon flavour. Oil is extracted from the whole plant and used in perfumery.

[Edit] Lemongrass needs good drainage and grow well in sandy soil, but also need regular moisture. Plants grown in soils with high organic matter produce luxuriant foliage and thrive when given supplementary feeding, especially liquid nutrients when most actively growing. However, luxuriant foliage comes at the expense of oil content and hence flavour. If the intent is to grow lemongrass purely as an ornamental plant then feed heavily. Plants do best in climates with high humidity and prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils pH 5.0 to 6.5

[SC] Being a member of the grass family of plants which usually disperse their pollen by wind, Lemongrass should be rated with a high allergen potential, but Lemongrass rarely produces flowers so it is unlikely that that the plant will be a problem for allergy sufferers. Inconspicuous flower

[Edit] Lemon grass can be propagated by seed, however, the plant rarely flowers which means seed are not always readily available. Root division is one of the more common methods of propagating lemongrass. Mature clumps can be divided at any time of the year in tropical regions, but are usually divided between winter and spring. When dividing clumps, each stalk should have about 2 cm of root attached. For easier access and manageability cut the leaves to about 3 cm long before dividing. Dig clumps with a fork so as not to sever the roots Lemongrass planted in containers should be divided yearly because the plant has a very extensive root system which can lead to overcrowding, compromising plant health. Lemongrass cuttings are another common method of propagation. Stalks 30 to 40 cm long can be grown by placing a stem in water until roots begin to grow and them planting them out. The also strike root readily when placed in damp sand, as long as the dormant buds in the rhizome has not been removed

[Edit] Plant lemongrass in full sun because shading results in spindly growth. Stalks obtained from divisions should be planted in groups of three or four with some root is attached to each piece.Care should be taken with cuttings so as not to break the water roots. Plants should be kept moist for a week after planting out. Space lemongrass plants at least 50 cm apart. Mulch well to prevent the soil from drying out and feed with well rotted manure, especially in early spring.

Climate: It tolerates to a wide range of climates, from cool subtropical through to tropical, generally areas with average annual lows of 15 to 25 °C, average annual highs of 26 to 34 °C and annual rainfall of 1100 to 3000 mm, with a dry season of 5 months or less. However, the citral content of the essential oil produced by the plant is highest in areas receiving at least 1800 mm annual rainfall.

[SC] Flavouring / spice / edible skewer / tea: Stems are mainly found sold fresh, dried, powered in most Asian groceries. When used fresh, stems must be crushed, bruised or cut to release their aroma to dishes. In Australia, a convenient puree of crushed lemongrass is sold in supermarkets, strategically placed in the fresh herb section. Whole stems can be used as a natural skewer for grilling meat, seafood or fruit. In addition to their exotic appearance, these edible skewers impart a subtle lemon flavour to the skewered pieces.

The leaves yield n essential oil extracted by steam distillation. It is used mainly for scenting soaps with a lemon fragrance

Problem features: The leaves have sharp edges that can cut skin and should be handled with care.