Botanical Names:
Cymbopogon citratus
Description:
Lemongrass is a tall grass that grows in clumps with a thick light green stem which contains streaks of purple, it can grow flowers which will also be purple and it grow approximately up to 6.5 feet or 2meters. Due to originating and being native to India and tropical Asian countries it is suited to hot wet summers and dry warm winters. It has a subtle citrus flavor and can be dried and produced into a powdered form, or used fresh.
What are its uses?
Lemongrass is a versatile plant. It is a good source of vitamin A. The leaves can be used for making tea, which is said to be a herbal remedy for common coughs and colds. The stem bases are used generally used in soups and curries. It also complements many types of meat such as poultry, fish, beef and seafood. It is a very hardy plant and can be cut continuously for mulch during the warmer months. Lemongrass is said to act as a repellent for pests in the garden, oil can be extracted from it to produce pesticides, however it does also attract other insects such as bees, promoting crosspollination. Lemon Grass can be used to protect soil erosion on step banks or as a barrier around gardens to stop running grasses.
Planting and growing:
Lemongrass it is suited to hot wet summers and dry warm winters. It is drought tolerant and will grow on a wide range of soils. When planting lemongrass plant it approximately a meter apart, it is a fast grower, which rarely flowers and is usually propagated by division. Plant during spring in cooler areas; in tropical areas plant during the wet season.
Recipes:
http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/26954/chilli+and+lemongrass+chicken http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/18272/lemongrass+beef+stir+fry
References: