Hibiscus cannabinus

Kenaf, Bimli jute, Deccan hemp

Family Malvaceae

Hibiscus cannabinus, kenaf, Bimli jute or Deccan hemp (H. cannabinus 1), is a herbaceous annual, 2.5-4 m tall, with straight green, red or purple stems, and alternate variable green or red leaves. The large pale yellow flowers are borne singly, up to 10 cm in diameter. The fruit is a globose capsule, about 1 cm across.

Distribution
Kenaf grows wild in tropical and subtropical Africa. Today it has been taken to many tropical countries.

Use
Kenaf bast fibres (H. cannabinus 2) are retted and used in a similar way to jute (Corchorus capsularis) (C. capsularis 1). The fibres, up to 3 m long, are used for rope and cordage, fishing nets, bags and canvas. They are often used in admixture with jute.

The seeds contain oil, which is used as lubricant, and lamp oil, but also for the manufacture of soap, linoleum and paints.

India is the largest producer.