Crops Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus)

Kenaf is probably a native plant of India. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical parts of the world for its stem fibres, which are traditionally used for making products such as ropes and sacks, and for the provision of animal litter; sometimes the tops and leaves may be used as green fodder. Kenaf has been introduced into the USA, where research and development work has been conducted in the Southern States suited to its growth; there the crop has been shown to be capable of providing material which is very suitable for paper and board manufacture, at competitive industrial processing costs. Recent experimental work in southern European regions has confirmed that it could become an alternative fibre- producing crop in these areas, providing that shortage of water does not limit its growth potential.

This entry forms part of the publication Crops for Industry and Energy in Europe

References:

Kirby, R H (1963) Vegetable Fibres: Botany Cultivation and Utilisation. London: Leonard Hill.

Perry, F (1972) Flowers of the World. London: Hamlyn Press.

Siegler, D S (Ed) (1977) Crop Resources. New York: Academic Press.

Industrial Crops and Products. Amsterdam: Elsevier Science B V

Relevant EC funded projects:

Relevant EC funded projects:
AIR-1236
AIR-0496
FAIR-1697