Kenaf

Raw Kenaf fiber. Combed in order to remove the dry bark layer.

Kenaf

[Hibicus Cannabinus]

Family
Malvaceae

Height
Up to 6 meter

Location and climate
Africa, Asia and North America.

Pollination
Insects, mostly honey bees

Usage
Kenaf has been widely used for noise reduction in cars (compressed fiber mats). Kenaf is also useful for textile, food oil, mats and paper production. The tick mats on the following images are for building insulation. Like the flax insulation it is worth mentioning that mise and other rodents will not be able to live inside the Kenaf insulation. The fibers are too strong to chew.

When working with the Kenaf fiber I find it easy to work with after removing the bark left overs. The fiber is strong and beautiful. Shiny and soft like human hair.

Kenaf is a hibiscus plant with long and strong fibers. Kenaf, like the hemp plant, is strong and do not need fertilizer or pesticides. The Kenaf plant requires very little water when cultivated.

Due to the long fiber you get a large amount of plants per area.

Companies within renewable energy is investigating the possibilities of making bio fuel from the Kenaf plant.