9 Facts you need to know about the habitat of Vetiver Grass!
Climate: Temperature - Mean 18-25o C - Mean coldest Month 5 o C - Absolute Minimum-15 o C. When ground freezes plants die. Hot Summer Temps. (25 oC +is required for rapid growth).
Rain fall: As low as 300mm.,but above 700 mm preferable will survive totaldrought, but normally requires a wet season of at least three months.
Humidity: Grows better under humid conditions, but also does well under low humidity.
Sunshine: Poor survival and growth under complete shade.
Soil: Grows best on deep sandy soils, however, it will grow on most soil types ranging from black cracking vertisols through to red alfisols. Grows on rubble, both acid (pH3 and alkali (pH11), Grows on both shallow and deep soils. Tolerant to high level of mineral toxicity Al, Mg, (500ppm)
Water:It will survive complete submergence in water for up to three months.
Altitude ranges: From sea level up to 3000 m.a.s.l.
Slope ranges: From Zero to maximum slope percentage.
Longevity: The longest recorded period is about 60 years in Zambia and 100 years in Fiji.