Kenaf
Kenaf is the name of a hibiscus plant, Hibiscus cannabinus L. (Family Malvaceae), and also the term for the fiber obtained from this plant. Other names applied to this plant include Ambari hemp, Deccan hemp, and Bimlipatum jute. Kenaf is native to tropical Africa, but has been long cultivated in India and southeast Europe (Mabberley, 1987). The genus Hibiscus is well-known for its ornamentals, many of which produce very showy flowers. Kenaf also has colorful yellow flowers, although these are not the large flowers of the ornamental species. The seeds produce an oil that is used in oil lamps.
Kenaf fiber
The stems produce two types of fiber, a coarser fiber in the outer layer, and a finer fiber in the core.
Reference
- Mabberley, D.J. 1987. The Plant Book. A portable dictionary of the higher plants. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. 706 pp. ISBN 0521340608.
