Training manual - The Vetiver Network International

3.5 What are the Uses of Vetiver?
Two main parts of vetiver plant are being made use of, namely culm/leaf and roots. The
former is considered as one part because the culm is indistinguishable, especially in young plant;
while the leaf is most obvious. The latter part, the root, is underground and has to be dug.
3.5.1 Culm/Leaf: The above ground portion of the vetiver plant, collectively known as culm
(or stem of grass), and the leaf have been used in various ways, viz.:
• Trapping crop residues and silts eroded by runoff
• Roof thatching
• As raw material for making paper
• Making ropes, mats, hats, baskets, etc.
• As animal fodder for sheep, cattle, etc.
• mulching, covering the ground of animal stables
• as planting material for mushroom culture and for making compost
• etc.
3.5.2 Roots: The extensive fibrous roots pf vetiver are very useful in both soil and water
conservation and other utilization of the essential oils and other components. These are:
• absorbing water and maintaining soil moisture
• absorbing minerals and nutrients
• decomposed as organic matters, thus making the soil friable
• absorbing toxic substances in chemical fertilizers and pesticides
• improving the physical elements of the soil
• making herbs and skin care substances
• extracting volatile oils for making perfume and aromatic ingredients in soaps
• as insect and rodent repellentsothers
(Nanakorn et al. 2000).
3.6 Where can Vetiver be found as a Source of Planting Material?
Vetiver can be found between the latitudes 22o North and South, in most areas where there is
a permanent water body, be it stream, lake, or swamp; it survives as a climax plant )Greenfield
1998).
If vetiver is unknown in your area, you may track down through your local herbarium (in a
university, botanical garden, agricultural department, etc.). If they have a specimen, the specimen
sheet should specify from where it was collected. The sheet should also specify the local name(s) of
the plant. If the plant is unknown, check either with the Vetiver Information Network, or the Royal
Botanical Gardens at Kew in London (Grimshaw 1990).
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