Jardinagem da Ana

Though many of its names leave the impression that it contains citronella, which is a common ingredient in insect repellent, the plant is actually a variety of scented geranium that simply produces a citronella-like scent when the leaves are crushed. The mosquito plant geranium came about from taking specific genes of two other plants – Chinese citronella grass and African geranium.

Because the plant releases its smell when touched, it is thought to work best as a repellent when the leaves are crushed and rubbed on the skin as mosquitoes are supposed to be offended by its citronella scent. However, research has shown that this mosquito repellent plant is actually ineffective. As someone growing and caring for mosquito plants myself, I can attest to this as well. While it might be pretty and smells good, the mosquitoes still keep coming. Thank goodness for bug zappers!

A true citronella plant closely resembles lemongrass, while this imposter is larger with foliage that resembles parsley leaves. It also produces lavender blooms in the summer.

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Citronella oil is a natural oil type that is used in many industries starting from perfumery to insect repellent products. The citronella oil is obtained from different species of lemongrass (Cymbopogon). When leaves and stems of the lemongrass are crushed, they release some amount of oil which is then used to make different beauty products as well as insect repellent candles, sprays and other products.

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There are two other plants that also go by the common name citronella which belong to the lemongrass family. These perennial clumping grasses Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus grow to an astonishing size of 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide (2 m). The base stems are magenta-colored while the leaves are long and pointy.