Pelargonium citrosum
Encyclopedia
The "citronella plant" is a geranium
plant marketed as "Pelargonium citrosum", but according to the American Botanical Council, " 'Pelargonium citrosum' is not a valid taxonomic designation." "Pelargonium citrosum" is marketed as a mosquito plant, or citrosa geranium in stores in the United States and Canada, but research indicates Pelargonium citrosum is ineffective against Aedes aegypti
mosquitos. "Not only was the plant ineffective at protecting humans against Aedes mosquito bites, the mosquitoes were seen landing and resting on the citrosa plant on a regular basis."
It is not related to true citronella
. It contains some essential oil isolates
that also occur in mosquito repellent plants. It is sold in this capacity .
It is claimed that P.citrosum may be a genetic bonding of the African geranium with genes from cymbopogon
grasshttp://www.richters.com/newdisplay.cgi?page=OttoRichter/1993.html, but there is no scientific basis for this claim.
The citronella geranium is not to be confused with other mosquito plant
s, nor with the grass
also known as citronella
. Also, citronella oil
does not come from P.citrosum.
Not to be confused with Citronella mucronata
(Chilean Citronella), which is a tree.
Pelargonium
Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants which includes about 200 species of perennials, succulents, and shrubs, commonly known as scented geraniums or storksbills. Confusingly, Geranium is the correct botanical name of a separate genus of related plants often called Cranesbills. Both Geranium...
plant marketed as "Pelargonium citrosum", but according to the American Botanical Council, " 'Pelargonium citrosum' is not a valid taxonomic designation." "Pelargonium citrosum" is marketed as a mosquito plant, or citrosa geranium in stores in the United States and Canada, but research indicates Pelargonium citrosum is ineffective against Aedes aegypti
Aedes aegypti
The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti is a mosquito that can spread the dengue fever, Chikungunya and yellow fever viruses, and other diseases. The mosquito can be recognized by white markings on legs and a marking in the form of a lyre on the thorax...
mosquitos. "Not only was the plant ineffective at protecting humans against Aedes mosquito bites, the mosquitoes were seen landing and resting on the citrosa plant on a regular basis."
It is not related to true citronella
Citronella
Citronella is a word used for several things, including:* Citronella , a genus of trees and shrubs in the Cardiopteridaceae* Citronella oil, an insect-repelling essential oil derived from Cymbopogon...
. It contains some essential oil isolates
Isolates
Isolates is a term used in developmental psychology and family studies, to describe members of a study group, usually child through young adult, who do not actively participate in cliques or friendship groups...
that also occur in mosquito repellent plants. It is sold in this capacity .
It is claimed that P.citrosum may be a genetic bonding of the African geranium with genes from cymbopogon
Cymbopogon
Cymbopogon is a genus of about 55 species of grasses, native to warm temperate and tropical regions of the Old World and Oceania. It is a tall perennial grass...
grasshttp://www.richters.com/newdisplay.cgi?page=OttoRichter/1993.html, but there is no scientific basis for this claim.
The citronella geranium is not to be confused with other mosquito plant
Mosquito Plant
Mosquito Plant may refer to:* Azolla species * Pelargonium citrosum * Verbena officinalis...
s, nor with the grass
Cymbopogon
Cymbopogon is a genus of about 55 species of grasses, native to warm temperate and tropical regions of the Old World and Oceania. It is a tall perennial grass...
also known as citronella
Citronella
Citronella is a word used for several things, including:* Citronella , a genus of trees and shrubs in the Cardiopteridaceae* Citronella oil, an insect-repelling essential oil derived from Cymbopogon...
. Also, citronella oil
Citronella oil
Citronella oil is one of the essential oils obtained from the leaves and stems of different species of Cymbopogon. The oil is used extensively as a source of perfumery chemicals such as citronellal, citronellol and geraniol...
does not come from P.citrosum.
Not to be confused with Citronella mucronata
Citronella mucronata
Citronella mucronata, the Huillipatagua or Chilean citronella tree, is an evergreen tree native to Chile, it occurs from 30 to 41° south latitude. Growing up to 1400 m a.s.l. It is frequently found on moist sites....
(Chilean Citronella), which is a tree.