I just ran across this about Vetiver on a Permaculture blog site - having
just
posted asking about Permaculture and mosquitoes:
"Another grass that has potential in fighting mosquitoes and malaria is the
Vetiver grass, which is a clumping grass helpful in fighting erosion and
soil
stabilization. Vetiver grass roots are aromatic and have been used to weave
screens that can be used on windows and ventilation areas for homes.
Spraying
these screens with a mist of water, helps to cool air flowing through them
while simultaneously enhancing the aroma, and thus repellent power of the
screens."
David Glober ~ San Francisco
david.glober@yahoo.com
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________________________________
From: Kevin Topek <ktopek@att.net>
To: permaculture <permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Wed, January 12, 2011 11:35:16 AM
Subject: Re: [permaculture] Vetiver
Gene,
I have not seen the bees forage vetiver. I have 2 hives in a stand of about
200
vetiver. I bet they do though, since it is one of the few late season
nectar/pollen flows. Each grass has about 10 bloom spikes. Good question Gene!
Kevin Topek
On Jan 12, 2011, at 1:04 PM, Gene Monaco wrote:
> Kevin,
> Have you seen the bees (apis) forage this?
> -Gene
> -----------------------------------------
> Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:26:56 -0600
> From: Kevin Topek <ktopek@att.net>
> To: permaculture <permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org>
> Subject: Re: [permaculture] Vetiver
> Message-ID: <AA451DAC-C056-41E2-9A48-7D0F58C0F059@att.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes
>
> Camille,
>
> I have used vetiver extensively for erosion control and water
> cleansing here in Texas. It is extremely hardy! It blooms in the
> cooler months and has attained an 8-10' height in a couple of years.
> The sides do need pruning as the lay down to start new plants. It does
> attract young snakes seeking protection, but we have had no negative
> incidents.
>
> Kevin Topek
>
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