abstract gamma irradiation treatment (30 gy) of stem cuttings with single leaf and an axillary bud of sexually sterile patchouli [pogostemon cablin (blanco) benth.] has resulted in isolation of an erect plant mutant 'pm-12' with thick, dark green, illuminated and shiny leaves. this single plant with distinctly different morphology on vegetative propagation produced all erect plants with dark green shiny leaves. the radio mutant phenotype persisted over generations by stem cutting propagation. the essential oil quality profile of radio mutant revealed a significant higher percentage of patchouli alcohol, the main component of patchouli oil compared to its parental clone (60.3% against 47.8% in control). creation of variability in patchouli alcohol content of the oil has more commercial viability because it imparts the patchouli oil a characteristic earthy piquant tenacious aroma.