Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) is a species of Hibiscus, probably native to southern Asia, though its exact natural origin is unknown. The name also applies to the fibre obtained from this plant. Kenaf is one of the allied fibres of jute and shows similar characteristics. Other names include Bimli, Ambari Hemp, Deccan Hemp, and Bimlipatum Jute.

It is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant (rarely a short-lived perennial) growing to 1.5-3.5 m tall with a woody base. The stems are 1-2 cm diameter, often but not always branched. The leaves are 10-15 cm long, variable in shape, with leaves near the base of the stems being deeply lobed with 3-7 lobes, while leaves near the top of the stem are shallowly lobed or unlobed lanceolate. The flowers are 8-15 cm diameter, white, yellow, or purple; when white or yellow, the centre is still dark purple. The fruit is a capsule 2 cm diameter, containing several seeds.

Uses

Kenaf has long history of cultivation for its fibre in India, Bangladesh, Thailand, parts of Africa, and to a small extent in southeast Europe. The stems produce two types of fibre, a coarser fibre in the outer layer, and a finer fibre in the core. It matures in 100 to 125 days. About 200 cultivars are grown.

The main uses of kenaf fiber are the manufacture of rope, twine, coarse cloth (similar to that made from jute), and paper.

Because it is very fast-growing compared to most trees, kenaf is a promising alternative to wood pulp for paper making that could free valuable timber for other uses. Kenaf seeds yield a vegetable oil that, while considered inedible, is used for industrial purposes and as oil-lamp fuel.

Emerging uses of kenaf fiber include engineered wood, insulation, and clothing-grade cloth.

References and external links

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• Mabberley, D.J. 1987. The Plant Book. A portable dictionary of the higher plants. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. 706 pp. ISBN 0521340608.
• American Kenaf Society (AKS), Founded in 1997 with individuals and organizations working directly or indirectly with kenaf and kenaf-based products, plus those with environmental concerns.
• International Jute Study Group, A UN collaboration for learning various aspects of Jute and Kenaf. Its headquarter is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It targets business societies in India, Bangladesh, and Thailand.
• About the Kenaf Plant, Gives nice description about the architecture of the Kenaf Plant.
• Information about Kenaf in German language, Provides information on Market Place, News, and Links about Kenaf in German language.
• Nachwachsende-Rohstoffe, A German site for Kenaf and other agricultural commodities related articles (Also available in English).
• Alternative Field Crops Manual

Malvaceae | Fiber plants | Underutilized crops

Kenaf | ケナフ