A Grass of Economic and Permacultural Importance

Vetiver:

A Grass of Economic and PermaculturalImportance in Post-Quake Haiti

Written by: Monica Boyce, Ph.D.Monica Boyce, Ph.D.Vetiver1

Table of Contents

Background................................................................................................................................................3Market........................................................................................................................................................5Haitian Owned.......................................................................................................................................5Frager/Agri Supply...........................................................................................................................5continental fragance S.A.......................................................................................................................7CERAM CENTER................................................................................................................................7 Non-Haitian Owned..............................................................................................................................8Vetiver Development Projects...............................................................................................................9The Haiti Sustainable Vetiver Project...............................................................................................9Permacultural Applications......................................................................................................................11Resources.................................................................................................................................................14Vetiver Network International.............................................................................................................14Vetiver Network International blog.....................................................................................................14Vetiver Network Discussion Board.....................................................................................................14Vetiver Grass Sales Outlets............................................................................................................14Monica Boyce, Ph.D.Vetiver2

Background

Vetiver

(Chrysopogon zizanioides)

– is a perennial grass, native to India. An alternative name, in India,is khus. This grass can grow to 1.5 m (4.5 feet) and it's growth habit is clumping. This species does notform horizontal surface mat-like root systems but rather sends roots down 2 to 4 m (6 ft to 12 feet) indepth. This plant is related to other grasses such as: lemongrass, citronella, and palmarosa.Useful in combating erosion due to the deep rooting structure. The roots have been used in stabilizingearthen structures such as berms, stream banks, terraces, and rice paddies. As the growth habit isclosely growing clumps, it is useful in controlling surface water as well.This species is not considered especially invasive as it's method of propagation is not through stolons(underground runners that establish new growth) but rather via offsets (aboveground asexual clonesformed from meristematic tissues).Other uses for this species include: as a feedstock for perfumery, medicinal uses, and as a base materialin household items such as mats.

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There are two types of vetiver: wild type with colonizing root system (invasive) and the domesticatedvariety. Vetiver uses a specialized form of photosynthesis – C4 – adapted for dry or drought conditions.Vetiver is non-photoperiod sensitive and grows and flowers year round. Does best if ESTABLISHEDin full sun and then it can survive in deep shade for decades, tolerating near darkness found under canopy of tropical forests and rubber tree plantations.Vetiver is a self-riser, meaning that as silt builds up around the base of the grass clump the crown risesto match the new soil level.

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