Kenaf

Kenaf

Scientific name: Hibiscus cannabinus L. 

Taxonomic position According Cronquist (1981)

Kingdom        : Plantae

Division          :Magnoliophyta

Class               : Magnoliopsida

Subclass          :Dilleniidae

Order              : Malvales

Family             : Malvaceae

Genus             : Hibiscus

Species            : cannabinus

Economic Importance: This species is remarkably versatile as a multi-use crop. Its dry retted fiber is used in the manufacture of coarse textiles, and is also made into twine, rope and rope-soled shoes. In some countries the fiber is converted into carpets and rugs. Blends of cotton and kenaf fibers can be made into apparel and upholstery quality yams and fabrics. Whole dry stem furnish pulp with a potential for raw material of paper. Whole tender kenaf plants are an excellent fodder for cattle. Seeds contain up to 20% edible oil with a seed cake by-product for livestock feed or fertilizer.

Table 1. Kenaf varieties developed by Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), Dhaka, Bangladesh