MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC CROPS (2+1)

Importance and chemical composition

Java Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) is an aromatic grass belonging family Poaceae, which upon as the steam distillation gives an essential oil known to the trade as the oil of Java citronella. This is used extensively as a source of imported perfumery chemicals like citronellal, citronellol and geraniol, which finds use in soap, toiletries, mosquito repellents, perfumery, cosmetic and flavouring industries throughout the world. Citronella oil is classified in trade into two types, i.e. Ceylon citronella oil obtained from Cymbopogon nardus a rather inferior type, while the Java citronella oil obtained from C. winterianus is considered a superior type. Java citronella oil has higher alcohol content (90-95%) than the Ceylon type (60-71%). Citronella is used as a starting material for further derivatives.