The name of lemongrass
is derived from the typical lemon-like odour of the essential
oil present in the shoot. Cymbopogon citratus (C. citratus)
flourishes in sunny, warm, humid conditions of the tropics.
In Kerala short periods above 30 °C have little general effect
on plants, but severely reduce oil content. Lemongrass
flourishes in a wide variety of soil ranging from rich loam
to poor laterite. Calcareous and water-logged soils are
unsuitable for its