Vetiver Grass

( Article Type: Explanation )

Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides), sometimes called ‘Mauritius grass’, is a coarse grass that can be used as a natural barrier to prevent erosion of soil. The plant is a native of India where it is called ‘khus’ or ‘khus khus’. The plant is very versatile, being able to withstand being submerged in water during floods and also having the ability to withstand severe pressures of drought. When planted in hedges, it acts as an erosion barrier and can also protect terraces or slopes from damage from heavy rainfall or mud slides. The plant is available in South Africa and has been shown not to be invasive or damaging in any way to the soil. It is known to exist in 24 countries in Africa, 13 countries in Asia and 11 countries in the Americas. The plant is able to function as a natural engineering resource without causing ecological damage or interference with natural systems. For more information, contact the Southern African Vetiver Grass Network at: www.inr.unp.ac.za/vetiver