Vetiver is a species of tropical grass, known as khus. There are two types of vetiver grass: one originated from North India and one from South India. It is important to distinguish between the two ty...

Vetiver is a species of tropical grass, known as khus. There are two types of vetiver grass: one originated from North India and one from South India. It is important to distinguish between the two types as the South Indian type is domesticated and is therefore found all over the world, whereas the North Indian type is wild and can become a weed. Vetiver essential oil, also called khus oil, is extracted from the vetiver plant, a clumpy, green grass native to India that can grow five feet high or more. Vetiver is in the same family as other grasses used for their essential oils, including lemongrass and citronella..