Other popular names:
Khaskhas, Khaskhasa, Khas, Ushira, Vattiveru, Vettiver, in India.

Scientific name:
Vetiveria zizanoides.

Translation :
Vetiver related to Darnel.

Family :
Poaceae = Grasses.

Nature :
Herbaceous plant.

Description :
Perennial herb forming dense tufts up to 2 m high. The long, narrow, hard leaves grow from the ground. The roots form a fine, highly branched hairy network, mainly in the first 40 cm below the soil surface. The inflorescence is large and reaches 5 to 12 cm in length.

Presence on the island:
Introduced, acclimatized.

Location :
Wetlands at medium altitude.

Flowering period:
Cool season.

Parts used:
Roots, leaves, essential oil (EO).

Harvest period:
Before flowering.

Plantation:
By the roots.

History
Originating from the Asian continent, Vetiver was introduced by Cossigny to Madagascar (also called Isle de France) in 1764, then to Reunion Island (Bourbon Island), from Ceylon and Hindustan. Its roots are distilled by steam treatment to extract an essential oil whose fragrance is very popular.

Use :
An aromatic and medicinal plant

Traditional uses:
- Against wounds and injuries, scars, for its antiseptic, disinfectant, healing and anti-infectious actions. Externally (washes or compresses with diluted EO or root decoction).
- Against fatigue, depression, lack of energy, through its stimulating, tonic action. Externally (baths or massages with essential oil combined with a carrier oil).
- Against stress, tension, by its relaxing and sedative action. Externally (baths or massages with HE associated with a carrier oil). These 2 uses seem to be paradoxical, but herbalists specify that the action of the plant changes according to the character of the individual.
- Against muscle pain and contractures. Externally (massages with essential oil combined with a carrier oil).
- Against fever and cough, by its sudorific action. Internally (decoction of leaves or roots, or HE added to an infusion of lemongrass leaves).
- Against allergies. Internally (decoction of leaves).

Contraindications:
Never apply pure Vetiver essential oil externally, combine it with a carrier oil.

Other uses:
It is an essential oil often used in cosmetics and perfumes. This essence has an intense, woody aroma, which can be sweet or dry, depending on the geographical origin. In the Orient, the green parts of the plant are braided to form aromatic mats. It can also be used for the hygiene of oily skin prone to acne, in washes and compresses of diluted essential oil. Planting Vetiver counteracts erosion (its roots hold the soil), as long as the clumps are planted following the contour lines.

- Image and content sources: book Plants and People