The perennial grass known as lemongrass, belonging to the genus Cymbopogon, is prized worldwide for its distinct citrus scent and flavor. It is widely used in both culinary and medicinal applications, often called fever grass for its traditional use in treating ailments. Lemongrass’s exact native territory is often confused because it has been cultivated across tropical regions for thousands of years. Pinpointing its origins requires looking at the broader geographic range of the genus before human migration dispersed it globally.
The Original Homeland in South Asia
The Cymbopogon genus, which encompasses approximately 55 species, is native primarily to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World. The native territory for most species spans South Asia and extends eastward into Southeast Asia and Australia. This expansive region, particularly the Indian subcontinent, is considered the center of genetic diversity for the grass. The geographic area covering India and Sri Lanka eastward toward Indochina represents the deep historical origin of lemongrass. This wide distribution explains why different varieties of lemongrass are often associated with specific countries within the greater South Asian region.
Distinguishing Origins of Key Varieties
The term “lemongrass” typically refers to one of two commercially significant species, each with a distinct native home. Cymbopogon flexuosus, known as East Indian Lemongrass or Malabar grass, is primarily native to the Indian subcontinent. Its native range includes India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand.
The other species, Cymbopogon citratus, which is the variety most often used for cooking, is referred to as West Indian Lemongrass. This variety is assumed to have a Malesian origin, meaning it is native to Maritime Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Global Dissemination and Current Cultivation
From its native South Asian homeland, lemongrass began its global journey through ancient maritime trade networks. As early as 200 BCE, merchants facilitated its introduction across Southeast Asia, where it quickly became rooted in local cuisines. The spread of Islam from the 8th century onward also helped carry lemongrass along Middle Eastern trade routes, eventually reaching North Africa.
Distribution accelerated during the colonial era, as European powers introduced the plant to new settlement frontiers. Lemongrass traveled with colonists to the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of Africa. India remains a major exporter of lemongrass products, but other key production areas include China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Central American countries like Guatemala.