A type of grass native to India and long known as a source of fragrance. Its dried roots are traditionally used to scent wardrobes for storing clothes or important items, such as batik and keris (traditional Javanese keris). This fragrance comes from the essential oils produced in the roots.

Vetiver grows well at altitudes of around 300-2,000 m above sea level and produces well at altitudes of 600-1,500 m above sea level. Its growth requires soil conditions with a soil acidity (pH) of around 6-7, rainfall of around 140 days/year, and a temperature of around 17-27 °C. Vetiver likes direct sunlight. Generally grows in sandy soil (andosol) or volcanic ash soil on hillsides.

• Deep fibrous roots.

• The leaves are linear, flat, and stiff, 30-75 cm long and 4-10 mm wide, with a smooth underside.

• The inflorescences are terminal panicles (compound inflorescences), 15-40 cm long, composed of 6-10 whorls, each inflorescence reaching 10 cm in length. The internodes between the inflorescence and the flower stalk are threadlike, but appear thickened at the apex.

• Vegetative propagation, namely breaking up clumps consisting of one or several shoots.

• Carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic, treats rheumatism, gout and aches and pains, swelling, fever, eliminates bad breath, dandruff and lice, treats wounds, prevents kidney stones.

• Vetivone, khumisol, cadanena, cedrena, β-humulena, seskuiterpenon (asam benzoat, vetiverol, furfurol, α dan β-vetivon, vetiven dan vetivenil vetivenat), alkaloid, flavonoid, tanin, phenol, terpenoid, saponin.