Family: Poaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Cymbopogon martini (ginger grass, Palmarosa) is a fragrant perennial grass native to Assam, Bangladesh, East and West Himalaya, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Vietnam. It grows in dense clumps, reaching heights of 3–5 feet, with long, narrow, green leaves and slender flowering stems. Known for its sweet, floral scent, Palmarosa is widely cultivated for its essential oil, which is used in perfumes, soaps, cosmetics, and aromatherapy. The leaves can also be used fresh in traditional medicine and as a flavoring agent in teas and culinary dishes. Its attractive foliage and pleasant fragrance make it a popular ornamental plant in gardens.
Risks & Threats
This species is considered low risk in most tropical and subtropical regions. It is not known to be invasive and generally does not pose a threat to native ecosystems. Standard cultivation practices, such as spacing plants appropriately and harvesting responsibly, are usually sufficient to manage its growth. Gardeners can enjoy Palmarosa as a safe and aromatic addition to their landscapes without concern for ecological disruption.
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives in tropical climates (increases probability that it could establish in Hawaiian Islands)
- Reported to be naturalized in China and Queensland, Australia
- Other Cymbopogon species have become invasive
- Unpalatable to grazing animals
- Skin contact may cause dermatitis in susceptible individuals
- Shade-tolerant (can grow under dense tree canopies and possibly spread into intact forests)
- Seeds may be dispersed intentionally by people, or passively by wind or gravity
- Tolerates and can regrow after being cut back
- Limited and missing ecological information makes accurate risk predication difficult
Low Risk Traits:
- Despite reports of naturalization, no negative impacts have been reported to date
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
- Source of essential oil for soaps and perfumes
- Plants require cross-pollination
- Not reported to spread vegetatively
