Binna-ghash or Vetiver grass, Chrysopogon zizanioides

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Binna-ghash or Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides, family: Poaceae) is a perennial aromatic grass, attaining a height of 2 m. Stem is straight. It is found in the water-edges or standing in water all over in Bangladesh. It is also found in South and Southeast Asia.

Other name: Bena khosh-khosh

During the monsoon, when the grass is standing in the water, the green beauty of Bengal gets more beautiful. So as an ornamental plant it can be kept in the aquatic gardens, parks and botanical gardens.


Leaves are long and semi-cylindrical, gradually narrower at the tip. From a distance, of course, in a flowerless state, it looks like Kaash.  


Inflorescence is long, 10-30 cm, and contains many spikelets bearing numerous small yellowish or dark brown flowers. Flowering occus during rainy season. The beautiful grass is propagated by rhizome.


The village people believe that keeping its root in the door will keep the room cool during the summer. A kind of perfume can be made from its root-oil. The plant having cluster roots, which looks alike the feathers of duck, play an important role in resisting soil erosion.


It is used to preprae various fency goods in different parts of tropical world. Medically roots are used as tranquiliser, diaphoretic, stomachic, germicide and insecticide. It is also used to cure fever and headache.

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