Vetiver is a member of the grass family. Its root system can grow 2 to 4 m down, making it ideal for preventing erosion. The roots grow vertically rather than horizontally unlike most other grass roots.

The essential oil is distilled from these roots. The longer that vetiver roots have been in the ground, the higher the quality of essential oil. This is why our farmers are paid a premium to leave the roots in the ground longer. Ideally, vetiver should be harvested about 12 to 18 months after plantin.