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