Vetiver grass
chrysopogon zizanioides

days to maturity:
plant spacing: 1 plant per 3 square feet
sunlight requirements: 6-14 hours
look out for:
harvest notes: dig up plant to harvest and use roots
season: summer
perennial

Vetiver is derived from Tamil “root that is dug up” and thats exactly why gardeners grow vetiver, to dig up the fragrant roots. While the roots are most commonly grown for their fragrant use in perfumes, creams and soaps, this plant has become popular in permaculture circles for being a powerful erosion control plant with incredibly dense, strong and deep root systems that can help stabilize stream banks, embankments and can even hold soil in place with fast moving water (like in a stream) covering the plant. 

Indonesia, China and Haiti are the worlds largest producers of Vetiver for use in perfumes and aromatherapy. The odor is described as deep, sweet, woody, smoky and earthy. The aroma is distilled from the roots using traditional hydrosol evaporative techniques, which you can easily do at home with a few pots. If you wanted to go one step further you can turn that hydrofoil into an essential oil.