SERAI MAKAN Scientific name : Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf. Common name : Lemongrass Local name : Serai makan Family : Graminae Introduction Lemongrass is a fragrant tropical grass, closely related to Citronella. It is said to be indigenous to India where it has been cultivated for its oil since 1888. The strong lemon odour of the oil contained in the leaves is responsible for its nomenclature. Due to its characteristic smell, the oil is extensively used for scenting soaps, detergents and other product. This crop is one of the chief sources of citral, whick is an important raw material for perfumery, confectionery and beverages. Plant Description Lemongrass is a tall fragrant perennial grass, throwing out dense fascicles of leaves from a stout rhizome. It can grow up to a height of 1 m. The leaves are sessile, simple, green, linear, equintantly arranged and can grow to an average size of 40cm long x 1.0cm wide. The leaf is glabrous, venation parallel with acuminate apice and sheathing base. The leaf sheath is tubular in form and acts as a pseudostem. This plant produces flowers at a very matured stage of growth. The rhizome is stout, creeping, robust and creamish yellow in section. Plant habit Lemongrass grows wildly in many tropical countries of Asia, America and Africa. In Malaysia, it is normally cultivated in home gardens. Lemongrass is a very hardy crop and can adapt itself to a variety of soil and climatic conditions. However, for high oil content, it was reported that the most suitable conditions for growth are well-aerated soils with good fertiliy. Plants parts used : Leaves, stem, root Uses in traditional medicine Lemongrass oil is a valuable remedy for flatulence, irregular bowel movement, gastric irritability and used to arrest vomiting. It is an excellent embrocation for chronic rheumatism, sprains and other ailments. In Malaysia, it is used as a mild diuretic, tonic, to promote perspiration, for treating kidney trouble and for preparing lemongrass tea. The stem is used to add fragrance to food. Paste prepared from leaves is used for treating headaches and rheumatism. Extract of lemongrass is believed to be a good mosquito repellent. A decoction of the leaves and roots is consumed to ease urinary problems and stomachaches. The extract from roots is used as a fragrance in shampoo and perfumes ..