A genus of plants with long sword-like leaves and aromatic roots, commonly called sweetflag; used historically in medicines and perfumes.
From Latin acorus, derived from Greek akoros, possibly from a-, meaning without, plus kore (pupil), though the etymology is disputed. The plant has been used since ancient times in Mediterranean and Asian cultures.
Acorus was so valued in medieval times that monks cultivated it in monastery gardens specifically for its roots, which they used to flavor drinks and ward off insects—it's essentially the ancient version of air freshener.
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