Vetiver Essential Oil

Vetiver essential oil is steam distilled from Vetiveria zizanoides (syn Chrysopogon zizanioides), commonly known as vetiver, a perennial bunchgrass of the family Poaceae. Vetiver is most closely related to Sorghum but shares many morphological characteristics with other fragrant grasses, such as lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), citronella (Cymbopogon nardus, C. winterianus), and palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini). Vetiver grows to 5 ft high and forms clumps as wide. Under favorable conditions, the erect culms can reach three metres in height. The stems are tall and the leaves are long, thin, and rather rigid. The flowers are brownish-purple. Unlike most grasses, which form horizontally spreading, mat-like root systems, vetiver's roots grow downward, 7–13 ft in depth.

Vetiver is mainly cultivated for the fragrant essential oil distilled from its roots. In Cuddalore, farmers grow 400 hectares (1,000 acres) of vetiver for oil extraction. In perfumery, the older French spelling, vetyver, is often used. Worldwide production is estimated at about 250 tonnes per annum. Vetiver is used widely in perfumes for its excellent fixative properties. It is contained in 90% of western perfumes. Vetiver is a more common ingredient in fragrances for men; a notable example is Dior's Eau Sauvage.