Cymbopogon
Cymbopogon is a genus of aromatic grasses in the family Poaceae, including lemongrass, citronella grass, and palmarosa.
Poaceae: Poaceae is the botanical family of grasses, including cereals, bamboos, and forage grasses. Cymbopogon belongs to this family of flowering plants.
Lemongrass: Lemongrass is the common name for aromatic Cymbopogon grasses used in cooking, herbal products, and essential oils. It is the best-known culinary group within the genus.
Cymbopogon nardus: Cymbopogon nardus is a tropical grass cultivated as one of the principal sources of citronella oil. It is a named species often grouped under citronella grass.
Plant taxonomy: Plant taxonomy is the practice of naming, describing, and classifying plants. Classification determines how Cymbopogon species and cultivated forms are distinguished.
Andropogoneae: Andropogoneae is a tribe of grasses that includes sorghum, maize, and several aromatic genera. This grass tribe contains Cymbopogon and many related tropical grasses.
Citronella grass: Citronella grass is a group of Cymbopogon species cultivated for citronella oil, especially Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus. Its oil is widely used in fragrances and insect-repellent products.
Cymbopogon winterianus: Cymbopogon winterianus is a tropical grass cultivated for Java-type citronella oil. It is another principal citronella species, distinct from C. nardus.
Chemotype: A chemotype is a chemically distinct form within a species that produces a characteristic set of compounds. Cymbopogon oil composition can vary among populations and cultivated lines.
Grass: Grasses are monocot flowering plants with jointed stems, narrow leaves, and distinctive spikelets. The genus shares the characteristic structure of grasses.
Palmarosa: Palmarosa is Cymbopogon martinii, a fragrant grass cultivated for its geraniol-rich essential oil. This species supplies an oil prized in perfumery and cosmetics.