Citronella Oil Guatemala
Cymbopogon winterianus  

As well as the Cardamom Oil and the Lemongrass Oil, the Citronella Oil is obtained by steam distillation of cut leaves either fresh or semidried. It is used to prepare fragrance compounds due to its high contents of Geranyl and Citronellal.

The aldehydic portion of the oil is used in the production of hydroxycitronellal, l-mentol and other aromatic products. Medically, the Citronella Oil is used as disinfectant, insect repellent and helps congestion.  It requires a tropical climate with abundant sunshine and occasional but regular rains. Citronella grows best at altitudes ranging from 600 to 1,500 ft. above sea level. Its crop is from June to December.