An Introduction to Vetiver Grass and its Uses

Speaker Bio: Grace Gesto serves with LEAD Asia’s Community of Practice team with the Blaan people of Mindanao, Philippines.  Her current role is Language Project Coordinator.  

Abstract: The central component of the Vetiver System is Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides), a sterile, non-invasive tropical bunchgrass.  It is used throughout the tropics in a wide-range of applications including erosion control, degraded land remediation, soil conservation and runoff retention, remediation of polluted land and water bodies, in constructed wetland sanitation systems, supplemental fodder, and thatch, for many handicrafts, biofuel, and as a source of expensive essential oil.  Vetiver Grass is a safe and valuable addition to any smallholder farm or agroforestry system as well as for those working in infrastructure.