SafePlants

Cymbopogon martinii: Palmarosa and its Many Names

Cymbopogon martinii, commonly known as palmarosa, is a fragrant grass species belonging to the lemon grass genus. It is also widely known as rosha grass, Indian geranium, and gingergrass. The oil extracted from this grass is valued for its aromatic properties.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) J.F. Watson
• Family: Gramineae (also referred to as Poaceae)
• Synonyms: Andropogon martinii Roxb.

Distribution and Habitat

Cymbopogon martinii is native to South and Southeast Asia, particularly India. It is also cultivated in many other places for its aromatic oil. One specific location mentioned is the North Maharashtra University campus area of Jalgaon city in India. There is also mention of a Major Ramana Forest in Hingoli, Maharashtra, India being famous for rosha grass.

Morphological Characteristics

This perennial herbaceous plant typically reaches a height of 1.5 to 2 meters. It features panicled inflorescences.

Uses

• The plant is used in cosmetics and perfume for its rose-like scent.
• Its oil, known as East Indian Geranium Oil or Russa Oil, has a high geranial content (75-90%).
• In Ayurvedic medicine, a preparation of lemon grass with pepper has been used (note: the text does not explicitly state that *C. martinii* is used in this preparation).

Quirky Facts

• The essential oil extracted from Cymbopogon martinii is sometimes called "East Indian Geranium Oil" or "Russa Oil" due to its high geranial content (75-90%), which is reminiscent of geraniums.