Official name Hibiscus Cannabinus
Uses
The seeds are said to be an aphrodisiac.
Kenaf is historically used as a cordage crop (rope, twine, and sackcloth) and its commercial uses evolved to other different uses such as absorbing material, paper products, building materials, and animal feed.
You can make a tea with the young leaves and the flowers, it is like hibiscus tea!
Externally, they are used as a poultice tender, painful spots and bruises, An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of coughs and colds because it has high amounts of vitamin C. In Ayurvedic medicine, the leaves are used in the treatment of dysentery, blood and throat disorders.
The stems are fibrous and used as a building material. It has natural fire retardant properties, provides superior thermal and acoustic insulation, and very strong and all natural. You do not even need to use adhesives to create a workable construction product.
Kenafcrete is an example of a company who works with kenaf to construct building materials.
Growing Kenaf
Kenaf is easy to grow even in poor soil. It is part of the hibiscus family and growing from seeds and cuttings is equally simple. Kenaf is not very frost tolerant, and will die back but it will shoot out new shoots in the spring. It can get really tall so trimming it will allow it to bush out.
This plant is pretty and unique and i recommend this plant as something new to experiment with.
Inga’s Creations 