Kenaf Plant

By Danielle King

Origin• Species – Hibiscus

cannabinus, L.• Family –

Malvaceae• Origin – Western

Sudan (Africa)• Related to cotton

and okra

History• Africans used this plant

thousands of years ago (around 4,000BC) for cordage and fuel

• Introduced into southern Asia around 1900

• China, India, Tashkent – main users

• 1940 – US research begins in Alabama and Florida

Areas of suitable growing conditions

What does it look like?

Leaves

Stalk Flower

Plant PartsFlower - The flowering can last 3-4 weeks, but the flower only blooms for one dayThe outer fiber – This outer fiber is called “bast,” and is about 2.6mm thick. This is about 40% of the stalk’s dry weight.

Inner fiber – This is a light, spongy fiber, similar to balsa wood called “core.” Each fiber is about .6mm thickness, and it is about 60% of the stalk’s dry weight.

Basic FactsIt offers an alternative to cutting down trees for paperIn 4-5 months, Kenaf can grow to about 12-14 feet tallKenaf can produce 6-10 tons of dry fiber per yearFlower blooms at the end of growing season, and falls off leaving a seed podSeeds cannot germinate because they need 60-90 days of frost-free weather Therefore, Kenaf cannot run wild like a weed

Harvesting• Anywhere where soil is above 65°F and weather is warm• In Northern Hemisphere, soil should be

cultivated from between March to May• Kenaf seeds planted around May with grain

drills• 5 weeks – plant is about 4-5 feet tall• 6 months – forage harvester chops the stalk

into short lengths

Harvesting cont’d• Cane harvester• Stalks cut at 12 feet and layed in windrows• Stalks sit to dry for 10n days• Chopped into 1 foot long sticks• Brought to fiber yard for storage before separation

Seperation• Bast and core fibers are separated• Process is cost efficient and provides a surplus supply• Separation creates paper pulp

Bark before pulpingKenaf Core

Bast and Core

Products• As a result of separation, Kenafcan make:PaperCardboardHardboard panelsRoof LiningFiber mattressDoors/furniture

String/ropeCat litterPotting materialCellulose for chemical uses

Companies• Vision Paper- “the clearcut alternative”• Kenaf International – “The center for new

crops and plant products”• Ankal, Inc – “Home of the comercially

viable Kenaf Industry”

Work Citedhttp://www.greenenaturalfibers.com/products.aspwww.kenaf.com/ history.html

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/kenaf.html#Scientific%20Nameshttp://www.visionpaper.com/kenaf2.htmlwww.apparelsearch.com

www.gifu-u.ac.jp

www.fiberfutures.org