We have been collecting & nurturing a variety of Asian herbs and medicinal plants eversince we came here. Some died on us but some really grown to be fine adults which later produce more 'babies'.
There are actually two types of aromatic plants pictured above. In the foreground is the Citronella (locally known as Serai Wangi) whereas the other is the Lemongrass (locally known Serai Biasa). Eventhough both are from the same family, upon close observation the difference being the texture of their leaves. The width of the Lemongrass leaves are thinner and tend to point sharply upwards whereas those of the Citronella are wider and droopy. Both leaves are sharp at the edges, so care should be taken when handling them. Both plants produce flowers which resemble the padi & wheat.
Both plants are easy to propagate, just using the stem together with the bulb. Its best to plant the saplings at a corner of garden (open ground space) rather in a planter since the roots need unlimited space to grow in order for the plant to be bushy & healthy.
The leaves of the Citronella are traditionally included as one of the ingredients in producing medicinal ointment used for massaging. The end product is believed to be able to relieve body aches & pains as well as improving blood circulation thus warming up the body of the user especially for post-natal massages.
The Lemongrass is highly valued for its stem (especially the lighter coloured bulb above the root). Most Asian cuisines especially the Malays, Indonesians, Thai, etc. highly regard the Lemongrass as a 'must' in preparing some special delicacies.
Both plants produced nice aroma thus have always known to be a good insect repellent. So instead of using the insecticide to ward off mosquitoes, why not try using natural & safe method for the whole family. Nowadays, we have been using pure Citronella or Lemongrass essential oils blended with Lavender essential oils in our aromatherapy burners. Not only the scent is so refreshing and calming but it really promise as it claims ie.to keep mosquitoes away...uummmpphh
To be continued.....
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Herbs anyone??? (Part 1) - Lemongrass & Citronella
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2 comments:
Nice garden and flowers you have. I am wondering if "bunga kertas" can be planted in the US? I love "bunga kertas". My grandmother used to have have it on big terracota pots.
My name is Za, I am posting this from Westport, Massachusetts, USA. Salam perkenalan.
Salam perkenalan to you too, Za. Thank you for the compliments. From the information that I gathered from magazines & books concerning this plant 'bunga kertas' or widely known as Bougainvillea, it will thrive very well in hot, humid surroundings. One thing for sure, it dislike soggy, wet medium (soil) & will produce blooms when they are actually 'stressed' ie. I mean when their soil conditions are quite dry but not to dry till it died. So, it doesn't need to be watered often. Because of this characteristic, it is best chosen to be planted by the roadside of Malaysia & Singapore.
I think, you can try to get some cuttings and try to propogate them, insya'allah, who knows you might succeed.
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