Ramacham (Chrysopogon Zizanioides) Medicinal Plant

Ramacham is a perennial bunchgrass, and grows to 1.5 m tall and form clumps as wide. The stems are tall and the leaves are long, thin, and rather rigid. Unlike most grasses, which form horizontally spreading, mat-like root systems, vetiver’s roots grow downward, 2 m to 4 m in depth.  The leaves can become up to 3 m long and 8 mm wide. The spikelets are in pairs, and there are three stamens. The plant stems are erect and stiff. They can survive deep water flow. Under clear water, the plant can survive up to two months.

The leaves of Ramacham are a useful by product to feed cattle, goats, sheep and horses. Ramacham grass is the source of a valuable essential oil, for which purpose it is often grown commercially. Amongst its many other uses, it provides material for thatch, has many medicinal applications and is cultivated to protect the soil from erosion.