Patchouli (Picture from Wikimedia Commons)
Patchouli is a bushy perennial herb with small, pale pink-white flowers. It grows in the tropics and is mainly used to make perfumes and incense.
Names
Scientific
Pogostemon cablin
English
Patchouli
Dutch
Patchoeli
Spanish
Pachulí
French
Patchouli
German
Indisches Patschuli
Taxonomy
Genus
Pogostemon
Family
Lamiaceae
Order
Lamiales
Basic information and facts
Origin:
Patchouli originates in the island region of Southeast Asia (Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Malay Peninsula, New Guinea, Philippines).
Distribution:
Patchouli is cultivated in tropical climates around the world, especially in Asia, Madagascar, South America and the Caribbean. Highest production is in Indonesia.
Annual, biennial, or perennial:
It is a perennial herb.
Flowers:
Small, pale pink-white flowers
Uses:
Essential oils are extracted by steam distillation of the dried leaves and twigs. These are then used in the production of perfumes and incense. Patchouli leaves are used to make herbal tea.
Crop categories
Pictures
Patchouli (Picture from Wikimedia Commons)