Family: Poaceae
Author: (L.) Spreng.
Bibliography: Pl. Min. Cogn. Pug. 2: 15 (1815)
Year: 1815
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cymbopogon
Vegetable: False
Observations: Sahara & Sahel to Iran and Kenya
Description
Geranium grass, scientifically known as Cymbopogon schoenanthus, is a notable species belonging to the Poaceae family. Originally described in the publication “Pl. Min. Cogn. Pug. 2: 15” in the year 1815 by the botanist Sprengel, this plant has captivated researchers and horticulturists alike due to its extensive geographical range and adaptability.
Native to a vast stretch from the Sahara and Sahel regions all the way to Iran and extending down to Kenya, geranium grass thrives in diverse climates and terrains, demonstrating significant ecological versatility. This broad distribution indicates the plant’s capacity to withstand varying environmental conditions, making it well-suited to dry, arid landscapes commonly found within these areas.
Cymbopogon schoenanthus is renowned for its aromatic properties, which have been utilized in traditional practices and perfumery. The plant’s distinct scent is characterized by a fresh, citronella-like aroma, derived from its rich oil content. This aromatic oil has been utilized throughout history for both its potential therapeutic properties and its pleasant fragrance.
In addition to its fragrant appeal, geranium grass serves multiple functional purposes within its native regions. Local communities often use it for its possible medicinal benefits, as well as in culinary applications for flavoring. Its resilient nature also makes it an excellent candidate for soil stabilization and erosion control, contributing to environmental conservation efforts in fragile ecosystems.
The robust characteristics of Cymbopogon schoenanthus highlight its importance not only in natural habitats but also in various human applications. Its adaptability to different climates, coupled with its aromatic and functional properties, ensures that geranium grass remains a valuable and cherished plant species across its extensive range.
Common Names
Deu: kamelgras
Eng: camel grass, geranium grass
Por: capim-catinga, capim-cheiroso, capim-cidreira, capim-cidrão, capim-santo, cpim-limão, erva-cidreira, patchuli
Fra: herbe à chameau
Swe: kamelgräs
Spa: pasto de camellos
En: Geranium grass, Camel grass, Camel’s hay, Scenanth
Ar: هشمه (هَشْمه)
Fr: Herbe à chameau
De: Kamelgras
Pt: Capim-catinga, Capim-cheiroso, Capim-cidreira, Capim-cidrão, Capim-santo, Cpim-limão, Erva-cidreira, Patchuli
Es: Pasto de camellos
Sv: Kamelgräs
Synonyms
- Sorghum schoenanthus ((L.) Kuntze)
- Andropogon schoenanthus (L.)
- Cymbopogon citriodorus (Link)
- Trachypogon schoenanthus ((L.) Nees)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Benin (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Djibouti (native)
- Egypt (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Gulf States (native)
- Iran (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Kenya (native)
- Libya (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mauritania (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Niger (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Oman (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sinai (native)
- Somalia (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Togo (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Western Sahara (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Réunion (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jul 8, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 7, 2009 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 12, 2009 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 12, 2009 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 12, 2009 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 7, 2009 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Other
Taken Sep 12, 2009 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Leaf
Taken Sep 12, 2009 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 12, 2009 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 26, 2009 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 27, 2009 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2020 by Nikoleta Matic (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 12, 2009 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2705269)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:397010-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Graminoid
