Lemongrass and Citronella

Almost everyone is familiar with Citronella. Its strong citrusy scent repels mosquitoes and works as an antiseptic on a variety of uses. It is in candles, potpourri, lotions and many others to help ward off insects. Almost everyone is also familiar with Lemongrass, which are used in grilled or roasted Filipino foods like lechon. Lemongrass is also a favorite herb of Philippine Traditional Healing for its efficacy in helping digestive problems.

Citronella and Lemongrass are cousins. They almost look the same, they grow the same way, and as essential oils, they are processed the same manner. But do you know how to distinguish Citronella from Lemongrass while they're still plants?

Actually its very easy.

Citronella has pseudostems that are colored reddish. Lemongrass, on the other hand, is green. If you'd be planting both grasses in your gardens, you should know these so that if you're picking Lemongrass for tea time, you won't mistake Citronella for it.