Citronella

This aromatic plant, native to the lush tropical climates of Asia, is famed for its mosquito repellant properties and relaxing citrus scent.

The low-maintenance plant grows in spikey long leaves which can extend up to 2.5 meters resembling lemongrass. To tell them apart, citronella leaves usually are larger, thicker, and darker green in color but the most distinct difference is the reddish tints on citronella stems. This is where the Khmer name for the plant comes from - ស្លឹកគ្រៃក្រហម, which directly translates to “red lemongrass”.

Our Forest Garden boasts them in abundance and the soil greatly benefits from its roots which prevent erosion preserving its fertility and richness.

It is also known to repel mosquitos and it does it by interfering with the mosquito’s olfactory receptor, masking scents that mosquitoes are searching for. In addition to being a natural insecticide, citronella grass has traditionally been used as medicine with anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and anti-bacterial properties.