Cymbopogon nardus

Cymbopogon nardus, common name citronella grass, is a species of perennial aromatic plant from the family Poaceae, originating in tropical Asia. C. nardus cannot be eaten because of its unpalatable nature and is an invasive species that renders pastureland useless, since cattle will starve even in its abundance.

Cymbopogon nardus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Poaceae
Subfamily:	Panicoideae
Genus:	Cymbopogon
Species:	C. nardus
Binomial name
Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle
Synonyms
Andropogon nardus Linnaeus, 1753

It is the source of an essential oil known as citronella oil, which is widely used for its natural insect-repelling properties. Essential oils are extracted from the aerial parts and applied topically or slowly burned (e.g. in a "citronella candle") as an insect repellent, particularly to deter haematophagous insects such as mosquitoes.