The morphological and anatomical characteristics of the root of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash, are described with special reference to the localization of the essential oil. Free-hand cross sections treated with Gueguein's specific oil stain revealed that most of the oil is stored in the cell layer close to the endodermis. A very little quantity is also found in the remaining cortical parenchyma, while a complete absence of oil was observed in the stele.