Patchouli is an aromatic crop mainly grown for its oil
used in the manufacture of perfumes, cosmetics, tobacco, soaps, medicines,
beverages. Basically, Patchouli is native to Philippines. When it comes to
plant description, Patchouli is a perennial, small bushy herb of the mint
family, with erect stems, reaching up to three feet tall and bearing small,
pale pink-white flowers and yields fragrant leaves containing very sweet
smelling oil. However, most Asian countries are cultivating commercially due to
increasing demand for this essential oil. The essential oil extracted from this
plant is expensive and available at Rs.1,200 to 1250 per kg in the market.
In
India, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic crops (CIMAPS) in Lucknow have
developed a high yielding Patchouli variety called "Samarth". Read more : Here.
