Hibiscus esculentus

Hibiscus cannabinus, also known as Kenaf, is a plant in the Malvaceae family, which is native to southern Asia. Its name is derived from the Arabic word "hanf" which was used to describe hemp. The plant is known for its fast growth and high yield. It has a variety of uses, including papermaking, textiles, and as a biofuel source.

Description

The Hibiscus cannabinus plant is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant growing to 1.5-3.5 m tall with a woody base. 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.

Cultivation

Hibiscus cannabinus is cultivated in the tropics and subtropics for its fibre. It is a highly versatile crop that can be grown in a wide range of conditions, from poor soils to high rainfall areas. The plant is harvested for its fibres, which are used in the production of various products such as paper, rope, and textiles. The plant is also used in traditional medicine, particularly in Africa, for its supposed health benefits.

Uses

The plant's fibres have been used in the production of high quality paper for centuries. In recent years, the plant has also been used in the production of biofuels, with the plant's high yield and fast growth making it an ideal candidate for biofuel production. The plant's seeds are also edible and are often used in traditional Asian cuisine.

See also

• Hibiscus
• Malvaceae
• Biofuel
• Papermaking
• Textiles

This plant related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.