Patchouli : a fascinating species of subshrub plants

Patchouli is more than just a plant. It has a whole world of scents and uses. Its name comes from Tamil words. "Patchai" means green. "Ellai" means leaf.

Patchouli is a type of subshrub. It grows in warm, tropical places. It is part of the Pogostemon genus. This genus belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Patchouli is known for its strong smell. This smell makes it useful in many products.

Long ago, patchouli showed wealth. It kept bugs away from fine fabrics. These fabrics traveled far from India. Patchouli oil and leaves stopped items from spoiling. The scent proved Indian goods were real and high quality. This made them worth more.

Smart European traders saw a chance. They bought patchouli leaves. They used them to scent their goods. This made European goods seem fancy. Patchouli became linked to wealth. Its scent became a symbol of money. Now, people use patchouli to make a rich feeling.