Linum usitatissimum

Flax, linseed

Family Linaceae

Linum usitatissimum, flax, linseed (L. usitatissimum 1), is an erect annual herb, up to 110 cm tall, with alternate, simple lanceolate leaves and regular, terminal, blue or white pentamerous flowers (L. usitatissimum 5) with 5 stamens, 1.5-2 cm across. The fruit is a capsule, containing several brownish seeds.

Distribution and use
There are many varieties of the plant, some of which are cultivated for fibres, others for oil from the seeds (linseed). The fibre-flax is cultivated mainly in the temperate regions of West Europe (L. usitatissimum 2); the oil producing types are grown mainly in India, Russia, Argentina, the US, Canada and Marocco.

Flax has been used since prehistoric times. The ancient Egyptians used linen textile and wrapped their mummies in it. It is also mentioned in the Bible. The Romans spread it from Egypt northwards as far as France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Nevertheless the fact that flax is stronger than cotton (Gossypium sp.), by the end of the 18th century the use of flax declined in favour of cotton, which required less labour to process.
Linen thread has special qualities of strength and durability, and is used in gloves, footwear, netting and sports gear.
After harvesting (L. usitatissimum 3), the sheaves (L. usitatissimum 4) are put in water for some days. During this period the tissue decomposes as a result of bacterial action and the fibres can be separated. After drying and bleaching they can be used for the manufacture of linen.
Biggest producers of fibres are Russia, France and Poland; the best quality is grown in Belgium.

Linseed is used as a source of oil. This linseed oil is a drying oil with many unsaturated fatty acids and is used in the manufacture of paints, varnish and linoleum. The press cake is an important food for livestock. Biggest producers of linseed oil are Argentina, Canada and India.