The Cymbopogon reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004
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Cymbopogon

A newer version of this article is available: see Cymbopogon at Schools Wikipedia
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Lemon Grasses
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Plantae
Division:Magnoliophyta
Class:Liliopsida
Order:Poales
Family:Poaceae
Genus:Cymbopogon
Species
Over 50: see text

Lemon Grass
Lemon grass or lemongrass is a perennial herb used in Asian (particularly Thai and Vietnamese) and Caribbean cooking. It has a lemony flavor and can be dried and powdered, or used fresh. Commonly used in teas, soups, and curries it is also suitable for poultry, fish and sea food.

There are more than 50 species of Cymbopogon. The East-Indian Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) is native to India, Sri Lanka, Burma and Thailand while the West-Indian Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is assumed to have its origins in Malaysia. While both can be used interchangeably, C. citratus is more suited for cooking. In India C. citratus is used both as a medical herb and in perfumes.

Other species used in the perfume industry are Cymbopogon martini distilled into palmarosa oil and Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt).

Partial species list