26/03/2026
春分過去，氣溫開始回升，雖然早晚溫差大，但已經是蚊蟲開始「蓬勃發展」的時節啦～🌳臺灣原生的驅蚊植物有哪些？
【台灣原生驅蚊植物分類列表】
台灣原生植物廣泛於自然界分佈、其驅蚊機制、傳統用法及實際效果，根據台灣植物學資料、以及相關科學/民間研究，依植物分類整理如下：
🍀1. 樟科 (Lauraceae)
樟科植物是台灣最著名的香料與驅蚊來源，多數含有豐富的揮發性精油成分。
◎台灣土肉桂 | 肉桂醛 | 特有種。對小黑蚊與孑孓效果極佳，適合屏障種植。 台灣大學昆蟲學系研究顯示，肉桂醛型精油對白線斑蚊（小黑蚊）忌避率達100%，並對孑孓有強烈毒殺效果（LC50約稀釋13.5倍）。中興大學及林業試驗所亦證實其葉精油可形成天然氣味屏障，抑制成蚊與幼蟲。
◎樟樹 | 樟腦、芳樟醇 | 歷史悠久的防蟲樹種，全株皆有氣味。 全株精油具廣譜驅蟲作用，傳統用於衣櫃防蛀，現代研究確認對多種昆蟲有效。
◎芳樟 | 芳樟醇 (Linalool) | 樟樹變種，氣味較溫和，研究顯示對白線斑蚊有高忌避率。2009年台灣大學論文顯示，芳樟酒精萃取液對白線斑蚊忌避率99.17%，精油LC50約稀釋18倍，對埃及斑蚊也有殺蚊效果。
◎山胡椒 (馬告) | 檸檬醛 | 具檸檬、胡椒複合香氣，精油對小黑蚊防護效果顯著。中興大學昆蟲系技轉認證，馬告精油對小黑蚊忌避效果可達1小時以上，被視為DEET天然替代品。研究顯示檸檬醛（citral）含量高達40-50%，具顯著驅避與抗菌活性。
◎ 過山香 (Clausena excavata) | 黃樟素 (Safrole)、β-石竹烯、異松油烯 | 台灣原生植物，常見於中南部與恆春半島。全株富含濃郁精油，揉搓葉片釋放強烈辛香氣味。原住民常用於避邪與防蟲。屏東科技大學研究顯示，過山香葉精油對白線斑蚊忌避效果優於白千層精油（5%濃度忌避20分鐘，30%以上可超過2小時），並對幼蟲有抑制作用。適合野外或庭院種植，氣味持久，是天然防蚊生力軍。
🍀2. 柏科與松科 (Cupressaceae & Pinaceae)
針葉林系植物，主要利用其木質部的樹脂與抗菌成分。
◎台灣紅檜 | 柏科 | 檜木醇 (Hinokitiol) | 側重於抗菌、除臭與家具防蟲。林業試驗所研究顯示，紅檜木材精油具抗病媒蚊幼蟲與殺蟲活性（對孑孓與衣魚(蠹蟲)有效），同時強力抗菌（抑制金黃色葡萄球菌等）。成人蚊忌避以煙燻或精油為主，非最強項但多效。
◎二葉松 | 松科 | 松脂香氣 | 傳統多以松針或樹脂煙燻方式驅蚊。松脂揮發油具一般驅避特性，研究較少針對台灣二葉松，但針葉樹精油普遍有抗蟲作用，適合高海拔煙燻使用。
🍀3. 唇形科 / 馬鞭草科 (Lamiaceae / Verbenaceae)
◎埔姜 (黃荊) | 牡荊素、揮發油 (β-石竹烯、檜烯等) | 原住民的「蚊仔柴」，曬乾點燃後是極佳的天然蚊香。臺東區農業改良場研究確認，黃荊精油富含β-石竹烯（27%），具抗菌、鎮痛與驅蟲效果。排灣族、阿美族傳統捆綁枝幹煙燻，農家實測焚燒效果優於部分化學蚊香。
◎ 小葉薄荷 (Mentha Canadensis L.) | 薄荷醇 (Menthol) | 台灣原生薄荷類，氣味清涼強烈。適合種植在步道兩側或庭院，人走過時摩擦葉片即可釋放濃郁香氣，干擾蚊蟲嗅覺導航，達到良好驅蚊效果。唇形科薄荷類植物普遍具高干擾力，是新手易種植的盆栽選擇。
🍀4.薑科 (Zingiberaceae)
◎月桃 | 多酚類、揮發精油 | 氣味清新，除了驅蚊外，也常用於包粽、編織與抗菌。葉片精油具防蟲、抗菌活性，常用於食物包裹與現代驅蚊噴劑。研究顯示多酚類成分輔助忌避，適合庭院籬笆種植。
🍀5芸香科 (Rutaceae)
◎台灣香檸 (扁實檸檬)| 川陳皮素、檸檬醛| 檸檬醛為主要驅蚊成分（與馬告相似），柑橘類精油普遍具忌避效果，適合盆栽。
◎ 刺蔥 (Zanthoxylum ailanthoides，又名食茱萸、紅刺蔥、鳥不踏) | 柑橘類芳香油（帶蔥香與胡椒味） | 台灣特有原生植物，全株布滿尖刺，低至中海拔常見。葉片揉搓後散發濃郁特殊辛香氣味，許多蚊蟲敬而遠之，具良好天然驅蚊效果。
🍀6.菊科 (Asteraceae)
◎艾草、五月艾| 桉葉油素、側柏酮| 生長力強、最易取得。適合揉碎塗抹或乾燥後煙燻。多項實驗（含大葉大學與民間科展）顯示艾草水溶液驅蚊效果最佳，煙燻可形成高濃度氣味屏障。傳統端午掛門口兼驅蚊，現代研究確認其揮發油干擾蚊蟲導航。
◎ 茵陳蒿 (Artemisia capillaris) | 強烈特殊香氣 | 台灣本土多年生菊科草本/亞灌木，又稱「蚊仔煙草」。常見於河床砂石地、海濱至低海拔開闊地。民間與原住民傳統將全株乾燥後點燃煙燻驅蚊。研究顯示其己烷萃取物對埃及斑蚊幼蟲有快速殺滅效果（低濃度即可達100%致死率），適應力極強，適合自然綠化兼驅蚊。
🍀7.天南星科 (Araceae)
◎石菖蒲| 細辛腦| 喜水生常與艾草搭配掛門口，具驅邪避蟲意涵。中藥防蚊包常用成分，揮發油具抗菌、驅蟲與寧神效果。研究顯示對埃及斑蚊有驅避與毒殺幼蟲作用，適合端午傳統與室內香包。
🍀8.金縷梅科
◎楓香｜樹脂揮發油| 主要透過焚燒枝葉產生的煙燻達到效果。枝葉樹脂煙燻具除蟲作用，低海拔常見，適合大型空間煙燻輔助驅蚊。
🍀9. 三白草科 (Saururaceae)
◎ 魚腥草 (Houttuynia cordata) | 葵酰乙醛 (Decanoyl acetaldehyde) 等揮發油 | 台灣低海拔常見原生植物，因特殊「腥味」得名。
其揮發油成分對許多昆蟲具強烈排斥信號，常用於間作或盆栽干擾蚊蟲嗅覺。適合濕潤環境種植，兼具清熱解毒藥用價值。
💡應用小撇步：
◎小黑蚊剋星：優先選擇台灣土肉桂或山胡椒 (馬告)。研究實證顯示這兩者對小黑蚊、白線斑蚊、抑制力最強，土肉桂甚至兼具孑孓殺滅效果。
◎天然蚊香：戶外開闊空間可收集乾燥的埔姜或艾草捆綁焚燒。臺東農改場與原住民實測顯示，煙燻效果自然持久，且香氣獨特。
◎種植組合（高低配置，效果加乘）：
高位：芳樟、土肉桂、過山香（氣味屏障，研究忌避率最高）。
中位：埔姜、月桃、刺蔥（灌木叢阻隔，煙燻與精油雙效，刺蔥兼具物理屏障）。
低位：艾草、茵陳蒿、小葉薄荷、魚腥草、石菖蒲（盆栽機動放置，端午傳統搭配最佳；薄荷與魚腥草適合摩擦釋放香氣）
#台灣原生植物 #忌避作物 #自然防禦 #共耕農藝小學堂
【List of Taiwan Native Mosquito-Repellent Plants by Botanical Family】
Taiwan’s native plants are widely distributed in nature. Their mosquito-repellent mechanisms, traditional uses, and actual effectiveness, based on Taiwanese botanical data as well as relevant scientific and folk research, are organized by plant family as follows:
🍀 1. Lauraceae (Laurel Family)
The Lauraceae family provides Taiwan’s most famous sources of spices and mosquito repellents. Most species are rich in volatile essential oils.
◎ Taiwan Native Cinnamon (Cinnamomum osmophloeum) | Cinnamaldehyde | Endemic species. Extremely effective against tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus, commonly known as “little black mosquitoes”) and their larvae; ideal for planting as a protective barrier.
Research from National Taiwan University’s Department of Entomology shows that cinnamaldehyde-type essential oil achieves a 100% repellency rate against Aedes albopictus, with strong larvicidal effects (LC50 approximately 13.5-fold dilution). Studies from National Chung Hsing University and the Taiwan Forestry Research Institute also confirm that its leaf essential oil can form a natural scent barrier, suppressing both adult mosquitoes and larvae.
◎ Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora) | Camphor, Linalool | A historically important insect-repellent tree; the entire plant emits a strong aroma.
The whole-plant essential oil has broad-spectrum insect-repellent properties. Traditionally used to protect clothing from moths, modern research confirms its effectiveness against various insects.
◎ Ho Leaf (Cinnamomum camphora var. linaloolifera) | Linalool | A chemotype of the camphor tree with a milder scent. Research shows high repellency against Aedes albopictus.
A 2009 thesis from National Taiwan University reported that the ethanol extract of ho leaf achieved a 99.17% repellency rate against Aedes albopictus, with an essential oil LC50 of approximately 18-fold dilution. It also exhibits larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti.
◎ Mountain Pepper (Litsea cubeba, Maqaw) | Citral | Features a complex lemon-pepper aroma; its essential oil shows significant protective effects against little black mosquitoes.
Technically transferred and certified by National Chung Hsing University’s Department of Entomology, Maqaw essential oil provides repellency lasting over 1 hour and is regarded as a natural DEET alternative. Research indicates citral content reaches 40–50%, with notable repellent and antibacterial activity.
◎ Over-the-Mountain Fragrance (Clausena excavata) | Safrole, β-caryophyllene, terpinolene | A native Taiwanese plant commonly found in central-southern Taiwan and the Hengchun Peninsula. The entire plant is rich in strong essential oils; rubbing the leaves releases a powerful spicy aroma. Indigenous peoples traditionally use it for exorcism and insect protection.
Research from National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (and related studies) shows that its leaf and twig essential oils possess strong mosquito larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (LC50 values around 37–41 µg/mL), with effective constituents including limonene, γ-terpinene, and terpinolene. It also demonstrates good adult repellency. Suitable for wild or garden planting, with long-lasting scent — a strong natural mosquito-repellent ally.
🍀 2. Cupressaceae & Pinaceae (Cypress and Pine Families)
Coniferous plants that primarily utilize resin and antibacterial components from their woody parts.
◎ Taiwan Red Cypress (Chamaecyparis formosensis) | Cupressaceae | Hinokitiol | Primarily valued for antibacterial, deodorizing, and wood-protection properties.
Taiwan Forestry Research Institute studies show that red cypress wood essential oil has anti-mosquito larval and insecticidal activity (effective against larvae and silverfish) and strong antibacterial effects (inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus, etc.). Repellency against adult mosquitoes relies mainly on smoke or essential oil; it is multi-functional rather than the strongest repellent.
◎ Taiwan Two-Needle Pine | Pinaceae | Pine resin aroma | Traditionally used by burning pine needles or resin for fumigation.
Pine resin volatile oils provide general repellent properties. Specific studies on Taiwan’s two-needle pine are limited, but conifer essential oils generally exhibit anti-insect activity and are suitable for high-altitude fumigation.
🍀 3. Lamiaceae / Verbenaceae (Mint / Verbena Family)
◎ Huang-Jing (Vitex negundo, also known as Pujiang or “Mosquito Wood”) | Vitexin, volatile oils (β-caryophyllene, sabinene, etc.) | Indigenous peoples’ “mosquito firewood”; when dried and burned, it serves as an excellent natural mosquito coil.
Taiwan Taitung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station research confirms that Huang-Jing essential oil is rich in β-caryophyllene (27%) and possesses antibacterial, analgesic, and insect-repellent properties. Paiwan and Amis tribes traditionally bundle and burn the branches; farmers report that its smoke performs better than some chemical mosquito coils.
◎ Small-Leaf Mint (Mentha Canadensis L.) | Menthol | A native Taiwanese mint with a strong, cooling aroma.
Ideal for planting along walkways or in courtyards; as people brush against the leaves, the intense fragrance is released, interfering with mosquitoes’ olfactory navigation and providing good repellent effects. Lamiaceae mint-family plants generally offer high interference power and are easy beginner-friendly potted plants.
🍀 4. Zingiberaceae (Ginger Family)
◎ Shell Ginger (Alpinia zerumbet, Moon Peach) | Polyphenols, volatile essential oils | Fresh, clean scent; besides repelling mosquitoes, it is widely used for wrapping zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), weaving, and antibacterial purposes.
The leaf essential oil exhibits insect-repellent and antibacterial activity and is commonly used for food wrapping and modern mosquito-repellent sprays. Research shows its polyphenols assist in repellency; suitable for planting as a garden hedge.
🍀 5. Rutaceae (Citrus Family)
◎ Taiwan Fragrant Lemon (Flat-Fruited Lemon) | Hesperetin, citral | Citral is the main repellent component (similar to Maqaw). Citrus essential oils generally provide good repellency and are suitable for pot cultivation.
◎ Prickly Ash / Sichuan Pepper Tree (Zanthoxylum ailanthoides, also known as Edible Evodia, Red Prickly Ash, or “Birds Won’t Perch”) | Citrus-family aromatic oils (with onion-like and peppery notes) | A Taiwan-endemic native plant; the entire tree is covered in sharp thorns and is common from low to mid altitudes.
Rubbing the leaves releases a rich, distinctive spicy aroma that many mosquitoes avoid, providing good natural repellent effects. Indigenous peoples regard it as the “King of Vegetables”; the tender leaves are edible. Planting one tree at home creates a chemical-free mosquito barrier while also carrying cultural protective symbolism.
🍀 6. Asteraceae (Daisy Family)
◎ Mugwort / Chinese Mugwort (Artemisia indica, Five-Month Mugwort) | Eucalyptol, thujone | Highly vigorous and easy to obtain. Suitable for crushing fresh leaves for direct application or drying for fumigation.
Multiple experiments (including those from Da-Yeh University and student science fairs) show that mugwort aqueous solutions have excellent mosquito-repellent effects. Fumigation creates a high-concentration scent barrier. Traditionally hung at doorways during the Dragon Boat Festival for dual protective and repellent purposes; modern research confirms its volatile oils disrupt mosquito navigation.
◎ Yinchenhao / Capillary Wormwood (Artemisia capillaris) | Strong, distinctive aroma | A native Taiwanese perennial Asteraceae herb/subshrub, also called “mosquito smoke grass.” Commonly found on riverbed gravel, seashores, and open low-altitude areas.
Folk and indigenous traditions involve drying the whole plant and burning it for fumigation to repel mosquitoes. Recent National Taiwan University research shows its hexane extract has rapid and strong larvicidal effects against Aedes aegypti (LC50 ≈ 187.6 ppm at 24 h and 128.3 ppm at 48 h, with fast knockdown). Extremely adaptable and suitable for natural greening combined with mosquito control.
🍀 7. Araceae (Arum Family)
◎ Sweet Flag (Acorus gramineus) | Asarone | Prefers moist environments; often paired with mugwort and hung at doorways, carrying cultural meanings of driving away evil and insects.
A common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine mosquito-repellent sachets. Its volatile oil has antibacterial, insect-repellent, and calming effects. Research shows it repels and kills larvae of Aedes aegypti; ideal for Dragon Boat Festival traditions and indoor sachets.
🍀 8. Hamamelidaceae (Witch-Hazel Family)
◎ Formosan Sweet Gum (Liquidambar formosana) | Resin volatile oils | Effectiveness mainly achieved through burning branches and leaves to produce smoke.
The resinous smoke has insect-repellent properties. Common at low altitudes; suitable for large spaces as supplementary fumigation.
🍀 9. Saururaceae (Lizard’s Tail Family)
◎ Fish Mint / Heartleaf (Houttuynia cordata) | Decanoyl acetaldehyde and other volatile oils | A common native plant in Taiwan’s low-altitude areas, named for its distinctive “fishy” scent.
Its volatile oil components send strong rejection signals to many insects and are often used in intercropping or pots to disrupt mosquito olfaction. Suitable for moist environments; also possesses medicinal value for clearing heat and detoxifying.
💡 Practical Application Tips:
◎ Little Black Mosquito Killer: Prioritize Taiwan Native Cinnamon or Mountain Pepper (Maqaw).
Research has empirically demonstrated that these two plants have the strongest suppressive effects on the little black mosquito (Aedes albopictus). Taiwan native cinnamon (Cinnamomum osmophloeum) even possesses additional larvicidal properties, effectively killing mosquito larvae.
◎ Natural Mosquito Coils: In open outdoor areas, collect and bundle dried Huang-Jing or Mugwort for burning. Tests by Taitung Agricultural Research Station and indigenous communities confirm that the smoke offers natural, long-lasting protection with a distinctive pleasant aroma.
◎ Planting Combination (Layered High-Low Configuration for Enhanced Effect):
High layer: Ho Leaf, Taiwan Native Cinnamon, Over-the-Mountain Fragrance (scent barrier with highest researched repellency rates).
Middle layer: Huang-Jing, Shell Ginger, Prickly Ash (shrub thicket barrier with dual smoke and essential-oil effects; Prickly Ash also provides a physical thorn barrier).
Low layer: Mugwort, Yinchenhao, Small-Leaf Mint, Fish Mint, Sweet Flag (mobile potted plants; best traditional Dragon Boat Festival pairing. Mint and Fish Mint are excellent for releasing fragrance when brushed against).
-FarmingAcademy
