Lexi Webster
Lemongrass is a herb with a subtle citrus scent and a range of culinary and medicinal uses. There are many varieties of lemongrass, including several species native to Australia. Australian native lemongrass is found throughout the country, except in cool, temperate regions. It is a versatile plant that can be used in teas, skincare, aromatherapy, and medicine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Cymbopogon ambiguus |
| Common name | Native Lemongrass |
| Habitat | Grows in the arid interior of Australia, including in Alice Springs |
| Regions | Found throughout Australia except in the cool temperate regions |
| Soil adaptability | Very adaptable to a variety of soils |
| Pest and disease resistance | Afflicted by few ailments |
| Watering requirements | Drought-tolerant; water generously once a week in summer for best results |
| Frost tolerance | Able to cope with light frosts |
| Flooding tolerance | Tolerates flooding rains with good drainage |
| Use in gardens | Can be grown as groundcover under palms and dracaenas; suitable for playgrounds and sensory gardens |
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What You'll Learn
- Native Lemongrass is found throughout Australia except in cool temperate regions
- It's drought-tolerant and can adapt to desert conditions
- It's used in Aboriginal medicine to treat colds, congestion, and skin sores
- It's used in cooking, skincare, and aromatherapy
- It's easy to grow in a typical home garden
Native Lemongrass is found throughout Australia except in cool temperate regions
Native Lemongrass (Cymbopogon ambiguus) is a versatile plant with a wide range of uses and benefits. It is found throughout Australia, except in the cool temperate regions. Native Lemongrass is highly adaptable to various soils and environmental conditions, making it a resilient and widespread plant across the country.
Native Lemongrass is characterised by its aromatic, blue-grey leaves and fluffy silvery flower heads. It is known for its mild citrus odour and lemon sherbet flavour, adding a tangy twist to various dishes and beverages. The stalks and leaves of Native Lemongrass are commonly used in teas, infusing a refreshing lemon aroma and flavour. It also serves as a flavouring ingredient in soups, curries, sauces, and marinades, and even cakes, providing a unique twist to both sweet and savoury creations.
In addition to its culinary uses, Native Lemongrass has a long history of medicinal applications. Traditionally, it has been used in Aboriginal medicine to treat flu symptoms, chest infections, and skin sores. The leaves and roots can be combined with hot water for steam inhalation, providing relief from colds and chest congestion. It is also effective in treating aches, pains, and skin sores when applied topically. Furthermore, Native Lemongrass has calming and soothing properties, aiding in anxiety, stress, and digestion. Its essential oils are popular in aromatherapy and can be found in skincare and beauty products such as shampoos, soaps, scrubs, and moisturisers.
Native Lemongrass is well-suited to Australia's varying climate conditions. It is heat-resistant, drought-tolerant, and can even withstand light frosts and flooding rains, as long as the drainage is adequate. This adaptability makes it a favourite among gardeners and a common sight in many Australian gardens. Native Lemongrass is also known for its low maintenance, making it a great choice for those who may forget to water their plants regularly.
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It's drought-tolerant and can adapt to desert conditions
Native Australian lemongrass (Cymbopogon ambiguus) is a hardy grass that is very adaptable to a variety of soils and can be found throughout Australia, except in the cool temperate regions. It is drought-tolerant and can adapt to the desert conditions of Central Australia. This makes it a great option for gardeners in dry regions, as it can go longer between watering than many other plants. In fact, lemongrass thrives during the dry season, growing rapidly when other plants may struggle.
Lemongrass is a sun-loving plant that grows best in full sunlight, requiring 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It grows best at temperatures between 75°F and 86°F (24°C and 30°C), but can tolerate temperatures down to 64°F (18°C). It is important to note that lemongrass does not tolerate cold well and can be killed by temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Therefore, in cooler climates, it is recommended to grow lemongrass in containers, so it can be moved indoors during the winter months.
In addition to its drought tolerance, lemongrass is also able to cope with light frosts and even flooding rains, as long as it has good drainage. It does not like to have "wet feet" and is vulnerable to root rot, so it is important to ensure that the soil drains well. Lemongrass grows prolifically in arid regions of Australia, such as Alice Springs, where it can be seen growing wild.
Lemongrass is a versatile plant with a range of uses. It is often used in cooking, adding a citrus fragrance and flavour to teas, soups, curries, sauces, marinades, and cakes. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including muscle cramps, skin sores, headaches, and respiratory tract infections. The essential oils of lemongrass are also commonly found in skincare and beauty products, such as shampoos, soaps, and moisturisers.
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It's used in Aboriginal medicine to treat colds, congestion, and skin sores
Native lemongrass (cymbopogon ambiguus) is a versatile plant that is widely found throughout Australia, except in the cool temperate regions. This aromatic grass has a strong citrus odour and a lemon sherbet flavour, making it a popular ingredient in various dishes and beverages. It is also known for its medicinal properties, particularly in Aboriginal medicine, where it is used to treat colds, congestion, and skin sores.
In Aboriginal medicine, native lemongrass is used to address a range of health concerns. The leaves and roots of the plant can be combined with hot water to create a steam inhalation remedy for colds and chest congestion. This method provides relief from congestion and helps clear the respiratory tract. Additionally, the leaves and roots can be applied topically to the body, aiding in the treatment of aches, pains, and skin sores. The anti-inflammatory properties of native lemongrass make it an effective remedy for skin inflammation and sores.
The use of native lemongrass in Aboriginal medicine aligns with its broader reputation as a natural healer. Recent research from Griffith University in New South Wales has confirmed the plant's medicinal potential. Studies have shown that native lemongrass is comparable to aspirin in treating headaches and inflammation. This validation underscores the traditional knowledge and practices of Aboriginal medicine, highlighting the effectiveness of natural remedies.
Native lemongrass is also known for its calming and soothing effects, particularly on digestion and stress. It has been traditionally used to treat muscle cramps, scabies, headaches, fever, and respiratory tract infections. The plant's ability to aid in relaxation and stress reduction makes it a valuable tool for managing anxiety and promoting overall well-being. Whether consumed as a tea, broth, or seasoning, native lemongrass offers therapeutic benefits that contribute to its popularity in Aboriginal medicine and beyond.
Native lemongrass is highly adaptable to different soils and environmental conditions, making it a resilient plant. It is drought-tolerant, frost-resistant, and able to thrive in the desert conditions of Central Australia. These characteristics, combined with its medicinal and culinary uses, make native lemongrass a valuable plant in Australia's diverse landscapes and cultural practices.
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It's used in cooking, skincare, and aromatherapy
Lemongrass is a grassy plant with a bright, lemon scent and a mild citrus flavour. It is commonly used in cooking, skincare, and aromatherapy. Native lemongrass (Cymbopogon ambiguus) is found widely throughout Australia, except in the cool, temperate regions.
Cooking
Lemongrass is used in cooking to add a subtle, light, citrusy flavour to dishes. It is a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian and South Asian cooking, particularly in Vietnamese and Thai cuisine. It is also used in Malaysian and Indian cooking. Lemongrass is added to soups, curries, sauces, marinades, and cakes. It can be used to flavour broths and curry pastes. The stalks are dense and firm, and the thin leaves are usually trimmed before use. The stalks can be peeled and the tender core used. The leaves can also be used to make tea.
Skincare
Lemongrass is used in skincare for its antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is said to be helpful in treating skin conditions such as redness, breakouts, rashes, dry skin, and sun exposure. It can be used as a skin toner to clean out pores and as a natural deodorant to eliminate odour-causing bacteria. Lemongrass hydrosol can be used as a spritz to control oily skin and keep bugs away. It can also be blended with Epsom salt and added to a hot bath to soothe aching muscles.
Aromatherapy
Lemongrass is used in aromatherapy to boost self-confidence and improve mood. It is said to have a bright and uplifting scent that can enhance your mood when you are feeling low. Lemongrass essential oil is also used to treat chronic pain.
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It's easy to grow in a typical home garden
Lemongrass is an easy herb to grow in a typical home garden in Australia. It is one of the fastest-growing perennials and thrives in warm and sunny positions. Lemongrass can be grown from seeds, seedlings, or division of existing clumps. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in a variety of soils, making it adaptable to different garden conditions.
To grow lemongrass from seeds, sow the seeds 5mm deep and 50cm apart in a warm and sunny spot in your garden. You can also start the seeds in pots filled with a premium organic potting mix before transplanting them to your garden when they are 10-15cm tall. Lemongrass seeds can be slow to germinate, taking up to 25 days, so be patient and plant several seeds to improve your success rate.
You can also grow lemongrass from store-bought stalks. Choose fresh stalks and place them in a glass of water on a sunny windowsill. After a few weeks, when roots start to grow, transplant the stalks into your garden or pots filled with potting mix. Water them with a liquid concentrate to help reduce transplant shock and promote faster establishment.
Lemongrass can also be propagated from cuttings. Take a cutting from an existing plant and plant it directly into the ground or into a pot filled with potting mix. Lemongrass thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It is relatively pest and disease-free, but occasional issues with rust or other fungal diseases can be avoided by preventing waterlogged soil and ensuring good airflow around the plants.
Lemongrass is a resilient plant that can grow up to 1.2m tall and 80cm wide, so give it room to spread. It is a great addition to any home garden, providing a burst of fresh flavour for cooking and a zesty aroma to enjoy.
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Frequently asked questions
Lemongrass is found throughout Australia except in the cool temperate regions.
The scientific name for Australian lemongrass is Cymbopogon ambiguus.
Lemongrass has a strong citrus odour and a lemon sherbet flavour.
Lemongrass is used in cooking, medicine, and as an essential oil in skincare and beauty products.
Yes, lemongrass is drought-tolerant, heat-resistant, and able to cope with light frosts and flooding rains, so long as it has good drainage.
