Kenaf, Brown Indianhemp

Hibiscus cannabinus

Physical Characteristics

Hibiscus cannabinus is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Original habitat is obscure, it probably arose in the tropics of Asia or America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Oil Oil Root Seed Edible Uses: Condiment Oil Oil Young leaves - cooked[74, 105, 177]. Used as a potherb or added to soups[183]. The leaves have an acid flavour like sorrel[2]. Seed - roasted or ground into a flour and made into a kind of cake[105, 177, 183]. Root - it is edible but very fibrousy[144]. Mucilaginous, without very much flavour[144]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[61, 183]. The yield varies from 2 - 10 tonnes per hectare[74] (or is it per acre?).

Medicinal Uses

Antibilious Aphrodisiac Dysentery Poultice Purgative The juice of the flowers, mixed with sugar and black pepper, is used in the treatment of biliousness with acidity[240]. The seeds are aphrodisiac[240]. They are added to the diet in order to promote weight increase[240]. Externally, they are used as a poultice on pains and bruises[240]. The leaves are purgative[240]. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of coughs[269]. In Ayurvedic medicine, the leaves are used in the treatment of dysentery and bilious, blood and throat disorders. The powdered leaves are applied to Guinea worms in Africa[269]. The peelings from the stems have been used in the treatment of anaemia, fatigue, lassitude, etc[269].

Known Hazards

None known