Common Name: Silky Heads

General Information

Cymbopogon obtectus is an evergreen, clump-forming, perennial grass growing up to 100cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and essential oil. It is used in revegetation projects.
Cymbopogon obtectus has a wide distribution and tolerance of a range of environments and threats, including exposure to fire. It is not currently believed to be rare, in danger of extinction or in need of special protection. However, despite the fact that the seed is commercially available for horticulture and it has been noted as common (often the dominant species) in the past by collectors, occurrence trends have suggested that there has been a decrease in collections over time, indicating that its range should be reassessed. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - all mainland States

Habitat

A widespread plant, predominantly found in open woodlands on sandy and stony soils, usually near water courses; at elevations up to 925 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.70 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally grow best in a sunny position in a moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Many of them are found in dry soils in the wild[].
The plant is ornamental when in flower and is grown in gardens[].
The plant is lemon-scented, especially in the older growth[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The aromatic leaves are chopping finely and boiled for five to ten minutes in a litre of water. The resulting yellow-green liquid is drunk as often as needed to relieve coughs and colds[, ].
The liquid can also be used externally as a liniment for sore muscles or headaches, and as an antiseptic to treat sores[, ].
The leaves can be rubbed into a ball and placed in the nostrils to relieve colds[, ].

A liquid made from the root can be poured into the ear to relieve earaches[].

Agroforestry Uses:

This species has many uses including revegetation[].

Other Uses

The leaves contain a lemon-scented essential oil suitable for perfumes[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow or only just cover, sowing the seeds in trays in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots at the 3 - 4 leaf stage and grow on for at least their first winter under glass. Plant out when in active growth in early summer and consider giving some winter protection for the first year or two.
Division of established clumps. This is best done annually or they can become too crowded and suffer. The offshoots of this species often fail to establish[].