Andy BradfordVetiver, the miracle grass

Vetiver zizanioides

Vetiver, the miracle grass

Content• Morphological characteristics

• Physiological characteristics

• Ecological characteristics

• Uses & Strategies

• Advantages

• Disadvantages

• Conclusion

Morphological Characteristics

• Massive finely structured root system

• Fast growing (rooting depth 34m)

• Stiff and upright stem

• Tolerant of relatively deep water

• Grows into dense hedges

• New shoots emerge from base

• New roots develop from nodes

Physiological Characteristics

• Tolerance to extreme climatic variation– prolonged drought, flood, submergence &

extreme temperature (14oC to 55oC)

• Highly tolerant to adverse soil conditions– soil salinity, sodicity, acidity (pH range 3,0 to

10,5), aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, copper, chromium, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium & zinc

Ecological Characteristics

• Highly intolerant to shading, reduces growth & may eliminate plant

• Best suited to open ground• Weed control during establishment• Pioneer plant on disturbed lands• Trees & shrubs will shade out vetiver, but

will then replace vetiver as the main stabilizing agent

Uses & Strategies

• Reduces runoff & soil erosion

• Conserves soil moisture

• Sediment Trap

• Stabilizers slopes, banks, terraces & gullies

• Protects masonry terraces, road edges, river banks, aqueducts, bridges & irrigation channels

• Thatching material

• Rehabilitation of toxic lands

Vetiver OilThe essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the chopped, dried and soaked roots and rootlets.

One of the most earthy essential oils - use when you are overusing your brain or mental capacities or when you feel spaced out. It is a wonderful anti-stress oil and a strengthener when the body is debilitated.

Possible Uses

Acne, arthritis, cuts, depression, exhaustion, insomnia, muscular aches, oily skin, rheumatism, sores, stress.

Advantages

• Very simple, practical & inexpensive

• Low maintenance

• Very effective means of – soil & water conservation, sediment control, land

stabilization & rehabilitation

• Multiple uses

• Environmental friendly

Does it offer a miracle solution?

Disadvantages

• Seed easily spread in the wind– may become a weed, infesting an area

• Unpalatable to livestock (unsuitable fodder)

• Not suitable for human consumption

• Not a suitable option for small holdings

• Oil extraction unlikely option for poor farmers

• Lower stabilizing qualities than trees & shrubs

• World Bank publicity campaign