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 StalkFlower

Plant PartsPlant Parts Flower - The flowering can last 3-4 weeks, but the flower only blooms for one day The 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 Facts  It offers an alternative to cutting down trees for paper  In 4-5 months, Kenaf can grow to about feet tall  Kenaf can produce 6-10 tons of dry fiber per year  Flower blooms at the end of growing season, and falls off leaving a seed pod  Seeds cannot germinate because they need 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, Kenaf can make:  Paper  Cardboard  Hardboard panels  Roof Lining  Fiber mattress  Doors/furniture  String/rope  Cat litter  Potting material  Cellulose 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 Cited history.html ets/kenaf.html#Scientific%20Names