Lemon Grass, West Indian

Light Conditions:

• Full Sun:
  Preferably, place lemon grass in a location that receives 6 to 8 hours of filtered sunlight per day.
• Partial Shade:
  West Indian lemon grass can tolerate 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day, primarily morning sun.
• If you notice your lemon grass leaves being scorched, then it may be in an area with too much direct sun.

Soil:

• Well-drained or moisture retentive soil that is poor, average or rich in nutrients. It can grow well in sandy soils, clay soils or acid-peat soils but not in saline soils. The plant has been reported to grow from sea-level up to 1,400 metres but grows best at levels below 750 metres in warm and humid conditions and along roadsides.
• Mulch (such as grass clippings and wood chips) can be added to the surface of the soil to retain moisture and keep down weeds.

Watering Frequency:

• Water the soil primarily when the soil is almost dry or dry and ensure that the soil is kept moist but not soggy.
• The roots of lemon grass should not be allowed to dry out. Signs of underwatering, particularly in the dry season show when the lemon grass suffers from brown-tip disease.
• West Indian lemon grass can tolerate drought and moist conditions.

Amendments and Fertiliser:

• West Indian lemon grass is regarded as invasive and could tolerate poorer soils. As a result, amendments and fertiliser would not be necessary.
• If you choose to fertilise, you can use one that is high in nitrogen once a year.
• If you notice that the plant appears to wither, monitor the lighting conditions, the soil moisture and whether the plant is root bound.

Pruning:

• Prune (deadhead) leaves when they appear to wilt, look diseased or turn yellow or brown.

Essential Oil -

citral, citronellal

Entire Plant -

West Indian lemon grass has environmental applications which can be seen in the ecology section. The lemon grass can also be made into paper by using the remnants of the plant after extracting the essential oil.

 

Shoots -

The base of leafy shoots add flavour to various curries, sauces and soups. They can be applied to cooked fish as well. The heart of the young shoots can be added to rice for a lovely dish.

 

Leaves -

The leaves are antispasmodic (relieves spasms) and diaphoretic (induces perspiration). Leaf infusions can treat colds, fever, malaria and pneumonia. The leaves can be used to make a fragrant tea, and along with rhizomes flavour curries and soups (East Indian and Thai cuisine); for more zest, use older leaves. The tea has been applied to counteract digestive problems. Fresh leaves blended in water can be integrated as a hair wash. The cut leaves of West Indian lemon grass make it a resourceful mulch.

 

West Indian Lemon Grass Oil -

The essential oil extracted from the leaves is antifungal, antibacterial and has sedative contributing constituents. It has been used as a food and beverage additive and to scent perfumes, soaps, hair oils and cosmetics. The essential oil can also be mixed with other vegetable oils and rubbed on the skin as an insect repellent. In addition, the essential oil can be incorporated as a fungicide. Topically (externally), it can be applied for easing arthritic joints and addressing athlete’s foot, lice, ringworm and scabies.

Environmental, Soil Quality Improvement -

West Indian lemon grass is useful to grow to improve soil quality since it grows fairly fast and produces clumps with which organic material from the leaves can be cut and dropped on the ground to rot.

 

Environmental, Soil Erosion Control -

The clumps that these grasses produce are useful in soil erosion control.

 

Environmental, Control of Invasive Plants -

These grasses can be used to shield farming areas from weeds entering in and can even divide or frame parts of the garden or farm land.

West Indian lemon grass can taint other foods with its aroma if kept close to them in storage.

 

It is advised that you consult with your physician before taking any herbal medicine.