Character
The Story of Vetiver Haiti Orpur
Haitian Vetiver Orpur delivers a smoky, woody core that anchors modern fragrances, drawing on volcanic soils and centuries‑old cultivation to offer depth and persistence.
Heritage
Vetiver first grew in the Indian subcontinent, where it served as a soil‑binding grass and a medicinal herb. French colonists introduced the species to Réunion in the early 1900s, and the plant spread to the Caribbean during the inter‑war period. Haitian growers received the first cuttings in the 1930s, and the island’s hot, humid climate combined with mineral‑rich volcanic soil produced roots of exceptional aromatic intensity. By the 1970s Haitian vetiver oil dominated the global market, and major houses such as Givaudan invested in community programs to protect the supply chain. Today the oil remains a cornerstone of classic and contemporary perfumes, valued for its persistent, smoky character that anchors lighter accords.
At a Glance
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Feature this note
Haiti
Primary source region
Ingredient Details
Steam distillation
Dried roots (heartwood)
Did You Know
"Haiti supplies over 70 % of the world’s vetiver essential oil, making its roots the most traded aromatic commodity from the Caribbean."

