Vetiver originated in India and is now cultivated mainly in Haiti. The tropical plant’s tangled roots contain a richly scented essence that can be
extracted by distillation. Its fresh, citrus, green, woody, smoky smell is almost a perfume in its own right. Explore all the facets of this exotic root, from botany to history, literature, art, agriculture and chemistry, and learn more about vetiver-based fragrances and the men and women behind them.