How to identify Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Lemon grass, also known as Citronella grass
Lemon grass features tall, slender stalks that can grow up to 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) in height. Its arching, narrow leaves are blade-like and exude a strong, fresh lemon scent when bruised. The foliage is a vibrant green, and the grass-like plant often forms dense clumps. The edges of the leaves can be slightly sharp. It thrives in well-draining soil and requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist without becoming waterlogged.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Grass
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Tall stalks reaching 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) with arching, narrow leaves emitting a fresh lemon scent.
Light green strap-shaped leaves up to 3 feet long and 1 inch wide, with a refreshing lemony scent.
Pseudostem with tightly-overlapping leaf sheaths, fragrant when crushed, varying from yellowish-brown to reddish.
Dry, one-seeded caryopsis fruit nestled within hairy awned spikelets, small and inconspicuous.
Brownish florets on drooping panicles up to 0.5 meters wide, imparting subtle beauty to the plant.
The leaves of lemon grass are light green and strap-shaped, reaching up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) long and 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) wide. They are known for their smooth, pliable texture and pronounced linearity. When crushed, these leaves release a distinct, refreshing lemony scent, making them easily recognizable. The vein pattern is parallel, characteristic of many grasses, which enhances their structural integrity and gives them a sleek appearance.
Lemon grass produces numerous brownish florets arranged on compound, drooping panicles that can reach up to 0.5 meters (1.6 feet) across. These florets are rarely seen in cultivation. The panicles have a delicate, cascading appearance, with each floret contributing to a subtle, understated beauty. There is no notable scent associated with the flowers. While not a prominent blooming feature, they add a unique texture and dimension to the plant's overall form.
The stem of lemon grass is characterized by a pseudostem formed from tightly-overlapping leaf sheaths on non-flowering shoots, measuring 4.7-9.8 inches (12-25 cm) in length and 0.4-0.8 inches (1-2 cm) in diameter. It exhibits a bulbous and thickened structure towards the base of the plant, and is fragrant when crushed. The color of the stem varies from yellowish-brown to reddish, providing a distinct feature for identification.
The fruit of lemon grass is typically a dry, one-seeded, indehiscent fruit known as a caryopsis or grain. While often overlooked due to the plant's well-known aromatic foliage, the caryopsis is small and generally not distinguished visually without close inspection. It would likely be found nestled within the plant's spikelets, which are noted for having hairy awns. The awns may contribute to propagation by catching onto the fur of animals or clothing of passersby. The color of the grain may blend in with the surrounding bracts, making it even more inconspicuous.
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Scientific Classification of Lemon grass
