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.
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