Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii)

Cymbopogon martinii, palmarosa or rosha grass, is a tall, aromatic grass of central India whose oil smells of roses because it is rich in geraniol. Palmarosa oil is used in soaps, perfumes and cosmetics, and it was once used to stretch rose oil. It is grown on farms in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

Botanical name: Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) W.Watson
Family: Poaceae
Tamil: Palmarosa
Hindi: Rosha
Parts used: Leaf, Distilled oil
Habit: Palmarosa; lemon grass is a cousin, not this oil
Last updated: 2026-10-30

How to recognise Palmarosa

It is a tall, clumping perennial grass, one to three metres high, with narrow leaves that smell of rose and geranium when crushed.

It flowers readily, producing tall, branched flower heads that turn reddish as they mature.

Two forms are recognised: motia, which gives palmarosa oil, and sofia, which gives the harsher gingergrass oil.

Lemongrass, Cymbopogon flexuosus or citratus, smells of lemon, not rose.

The rose scent is strongest in the flowering tops, which is why the whole upper plant is cut for distillation.

Traditional use of Palmarosa

Oil trade

Palmarosa oil was distilled in central India and exported through Bombay. It was sometimes called Turkish geranium oil, because it was used to adulterate Turkish rose oil.

Indian trade history

Modern notes on Palmarosa

The oil is up to about eighty percent geraniol, which gives the rose scent and is used in perfumery and insect repellents.

Indian research institutes have bred high-yield varieties for farmers.

Palmarosa safety

Dilute the oil before applying to skin, and do not swallow it.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows wild in dry grasslands and open forests of central and peninsular India.

It tolerates drought and poor soil, and it is suited to rainfed farming.

It is harvested at flowering, when oil content is highest.

Its clumps protect bare soil from erosion on slopes.

Related plants

Also in Poaceae

Questions about Palmarosa

Is Palmarosa lemongrass?

No. It smells of rose, not lemon.

What older names does Cymbopogon martinii go by?

Andropogon martinii.

What is gingergrass?

Oil from the sofia form of the same species.

How is the oil made?

By steam distillation of the cut flowering grass.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.