Citronella Oil

Citronella oil is extracted from the leaves and other aerial parts of citronella grass. The Department of Export Agriculture says two species are grown in Sri Lanka: Cymbopogon nardus, called Heen pangiri, which is native to the island, and Cymbopogon winterianus, called Maha pangiri. Cultivation is largely confined to the Hambantota and Ratnapura districts. The oil is extracted by water or steam distillation. The department grades it by total geraniol content, with three grades at 60%, 55% and 53%. It adds that one volume of oil should dissolve in 1-2 volumes of ethanol. The oil is used as a fragrance in cosmetics, in soap and detergent manufacture, in polish and paint, and in insect repellent products. Citronella oil is listed here as available on request, and packaging is available on request. Send the species (Heen pangiri or Maha pangiri) and geraniol grade, quantity, packing and destination port by email from the Contact page or the How to order page. Documents and test reports can be discussed for each order.