Lemongrass, special plant in Shan Ban Ciao

Written by Nannakorn Santita,
 Edited by TLAA

Do you know Lemon grass?

Lemon grass has long been used in natural insect repellents and sometimes called mosquito grass. It is a clumping grass that grows quickly. It contains citronella and gives off a strong citrus odor that is offensive to mosquitoes. There are two kind of Lemon grass as I learn from there, the first can use in cooking as an herb recipe and second is for insect repellents especially mosquitoes.

During my volunteering, I found that kind of plant grows around Shan Ban Ciao. Actually, I know Lemon glass, but different kind of what I saw at Shan Ban Ciao. Lemon grass in my home country, Thailand uses this plant as a recipe’s ingredient or herb and also different smell.

Because of the locations, mountains, canals, and forests everyone knows it is such a good resources of mosquitoes.

During volunteering, everyday my friends and I will cut the Lemon grass leafs to put into our bed room to protect the mosquitoes, just have to crush it until smelling and you know it is really work!

Besides, Shan Ban Ciao also has the products from Lemon grass for selling. What I can notice from Taiwan is very support the locally made and marketed products of their local products. Taiwan can improve the local products' quality and marketing which seems provides both a local and national. Like I can see form Sanyi for example wood crafts, souvenirs from wood, and others.

This is one of what I learn from this volunteering, totally impressed and I absolutely glad to be there.