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Patchouli is a perennial bushy plant with large
stems, aromatic furry green leaves, and fibrous
root. It is a tropical plant and belongs to the
Labiatae family.
The main stems have diameters of 10 to 20 mm,
and the roots divide into long thin fibrils reaching
30 cm underground. The height is between 30 to
100 cm. The leaves are green with lateral veins,
characteristics heart shape, jagged edges and
pointed tips. The top-side is smooth and the bottom-side
is dull green and hairy.
Without physical support or braces, a patchouli
plant reaches a certain height and grows sideways
as bushes. At maturity in 6 month, the plant height
can reach 1 meter with branches spreading to a
radius of 60 cm.
Varieties:
Although there are 3 types of patchouli plant
with similar characteristics, only one is extensively
cultivated for its oil. The other two are grown
in backyards and used as natural perfume and remedies.
1. Pogostemon Cablin
Benth
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This is the
most common type of patchouli and is also
known as Pogostemon Patchouli or Pogostemon
Mentha. Locally it is known as Aceh Patchouli.
It is believed to have originated from the
Philliphines and later spreads to Indonesia,
Malaysia, Madagaskar, Paraguay, and Brazil.
The top leaf is shinny green and the bottom
part of the leaf appears dull and hairy, containing
most of the oil in the plant. This type seldom
flowers and has high oil yield, from 2.5 to
3.5%. |
2. Pogostemon Heyneanus
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Also known
as Java Patchouli or "forest patchouli".
Originally came from India, this plant grows
wild in the Java forest. The leaves are thin,
dark green, and more pointed. It flowers and
has oil content 1.5 to 1.5%, relatively low
for commercial use. |
3. Pogostemon Hortensis
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Also known
as "soap patchouli", traditionally
used in laundry. The primary area of production
is West Java. The leaf is shiny, smooth and
thin, similar to Pogostemon Heyneanus; however
it does not flower. The oil content is only
0.5 to 1.5 %, making it unattractive commercially. |
Patchouli plant grows alongside rice paddy, in between
large trees or crops, or in the open fields. It
is common to see patchouli plants growing among
rubber, coconut, pine, corn, peanut and other plantation.
Ideal soil for plantation is soft and not too compacted,
with high nutrients and micro-nutrients, rich in
organic matters with pH between 6 and 7. It can
be on flat land or sloped, provided it has sufficient
water and sunlight. In areas where the water level
is high, drainage is required to prevent root decomposition.
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High exposure
to sunlight makes the leaves to grow thick
and small, however contain high concentration
of oil. At lower exposure of sunlight, the
leaves are larger, thinner and have lower
oil content. The best altitude for growing
is between 10 and 400 above the sea level,
although it can grow at altitude as high as
2000 meters. |
Once the area is prepared, patchouli can be planted
through seedlings from stem cuttings grown in the
nursery bed. Maintenance require continuous removal
of weeds, fertilization and measures to prevent
insects and parasites infestation. Upon maturity
in 6-7 months, patchouli plants are ready to be
harvested. |
