The grass Chrysopogon zizanioides (synonym Vetiveria zizanioides), which is native to India, but planted throughout the tropics for its fragrant roots and for erosion control.
2007, R. Sinha, et al., Phytoremediation: Role of Plants in Site Management, S.N. Singh, R. D. Tripathi, Environmental Bioremediation Technologies, page 328,
Vetiver can easily thrive in wetlands and can be used in the constructed wetlands for removal of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) and heavy metals from the polluted storm water, municipal and industrial wastewater, and effluents from abattoirs, feedlots, piggeries and other intensive livestock industries.
The aromatic root of the grass.
An essential oil derived from the root; the fragrance of the oil.