Exploring the Common Turpentine Grass
Imagine walking through a field on a warm summer day and catching the unmistakable scent of turpentine wafting through the air.
This could very well be the distinctive aroma of Cymbopogon caesius, commonly known as Common Turpentine Grass or Broad - Leaved Turpentine Grass.
This perennial grass, a member of the Poaceae family, is a fascinating plant both in terms of its botanical characteristics and its practical uses.
A Closer Look at Cymbopogon caesius
Cymbopogon caesius is a densely tufted, aromatic perennial that can reach up to 1.5 m in height. Its leaves are mostly cauline, meaning they grow along the stem, and the lowest nodes of the culm are exposed, lacking the old leaf sheaths that you might see in other grasses.
The leaf blades themselves are long and narrow, ranging from 50 - 300 mm in length and up to 14 mm wide, with a distinctive fine point at the apex.
When crushed, the leaves and inflorescences emit a strong turpentine smell, a characteristic that sets this grass apart from many others.
The inflorescence of Cymbopogon caesius is elongated, with the lower raceme featuring a unique swollen base. This base, along with the internode and pedicel, is hairy along the margins.
The sessile spikelets are small, about 3.5 - 5 mm long, with the lower glume featuring a deep narrow groove.
The upper part of the lower glume is broadly winged, with a slightly rough margin. Flowering typically occurs from November to May, adding a splash of seasonal interest to its habitats.
Distribution and Habitat
This resilient grass is widely distributed across South Africa, found in every province except the Western Cape.
Its range extends northward through Africa, reaching as far as Sudan and Yemen, and eastward to southern India and Sri Lanka.
Cymbopogon caesius thrives in areas with summer rainfall, preferring open sourveld and hillsides, particularly those with sandy soils.
It is a common sight along roadsides and in relatively undisturbed areas, often flourishing in open woodlands in the tropics.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The name Cymbopogon is derived from Greek, with "kymbe" meaning "boat" and "pogon" meaning "beard", referring to the hairy spikelets that project from boat - shaped spathes in most species.
The specific epithet "caesius" is Latin for "bluish grey", a nod to the plant's coloration. With around 40 species in the genus, Cymbopogon is well - represented across tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia, with six species commonly found in southern Africa.
Ecology and Uses
Cymbopogon caesius is pollinated by wind, and its seeds are dispersed by both wind and water. It typically grows in areas where the annual rainfall exceeds 500 mm, though it can be found less frequently in drier regions.
Its habitats include roadsides, pastures, cultivated fields, grasslands, savannas, and forests, from sea level up to 1,500 m in altitude.
This grass is more than just a pretty plant; it has several practical uses. Its strong turpentine scent makes it unpalatable to livestock, rendering it of little value as forage.
However, it is highly valued for other reasons. In Lesotho, for example, it is used to repel rodents from grain baskets, and in South Africa, it serves as a natural mosquito repellent.
The essential oil extracted from Cymbopogon caesius contains around 18 compounds, with carvone, trans - carveole, and D - limonene being the most significant.
These compounds are used in traditional medicine, such as in 'Sirri Oil', and decoctions of the rootstock are employed to alleviate morning sickness in pregnant women.
Cultivation Tips
If you're interested in cultivating Cymbopogon caesius, you'll find it quite adaptable. It prefers sandy or gravelly soil and forms hard tussocks.
It's relatively easy to grow from seed, but be sure to water the plants or seeds well after planting.
Keep them well - irrigated until they establish themselves, then gradually reduce the watering. As a perennial grass, it recovers quickly after fires, making it a resilient addition to your garden.
Conclusion
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a plant enthusiast, Cymbopogon caesius offers a unique blend of aesthetic appeal and practical benefits.
Its striking appearance, aromatic qualities, and versatile uses make it a plant worth knowing and growing.
About The Author
Kyle Grobler is a passionate environmentalist and esteemed field guide from Potchefstroom. With an unparalleled love for nature, he boasts a vast collection of over 40,000 photos, illustrating his particular affinity for birds.
Known by many as the embodiment of a true bushman, Kyle has ventured through various South African game reserves and frequently explores the Vaal River's hidden treasures. As a new contributor to the Potch Gazette's environmental page, readers can anticipate immersive tales of Potchefstroom's natural wonders through Kyle's expert lens.
To see more from Kyle and his bush experiences you can also view his Youtube Channel here: Kyle Grobler Photography
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