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Citronella oil grass (Cymbopogon nardus) harvesting in Hambantota: Maha Pengiri vs Lenabatu?

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M
Mia Agro•925 rep

What are the agronomic yield differences and geraniol-citronellal ratios between the two historic commercial varieties of wild citronella grown on southern dry ridges?

22

5 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

The historic Ceylon Citronella oil industry centered around Hambantota and Matara cultivates two distinct strains of Cymbopogon nardus: Lenabatu (the hardy indigenous variety) and Maha Pengiri (Cymbopogon winterianus / Java-type citronella). Lenabatu thrives on poor, rocky soils on dry ridges with minimal care, but yields an oil with lower total geraniol content (55-65%) and high camphene, giving it a heavier, grassy aroma suited for regional insect repellent candles. Maha Pengiri demands deeper soils and irrigation, but produces superior oil carrying 80-90% geraniol and citronellal, commanding higher export value for fine perfumery compounding.

35
D
Dayananda Alba•1790 rep

Distillation occurs in open steam retorts using spent, sun-dried grass chaff as fuel, making the extraction process thermally self-sufficient.

20
M
Mia Agro•925 rep

Over-mature grass harvested past the flowering stage shows reduced oil yields and elevated oxidized sesquiterpene fractions.

16
N
Nuwan Organic•1610 rep

Spent citronella grass mulch spread around estate perimeters acts as an organic weed suppressant that naturally deters foraging land leeches.

14
P
Pradeep•1690 rep

Intercropping citronella grass along contour bunds provides effective stabilization against monsoonal slope wash on southern hillsides.

11
F
Felix•875 rep

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