Jute

Corchorus capsularis

Physical Characteristics

Corchorus capsularis is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It is in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Tea Leaves - raw or cooked[1, 2, 27, 46, 61]. Young leaves are added to salads whilst older leaves are cooked as a pot-herb[2, 183, 272]. High in protein. The dried leaves can be used as a thickener in soups[183]. A tea is made from the dried leaves[183]. Immature fruits are added to salads or used as a potherb.

Medicinal Uses

Appetizer Cardiac Carminative Demulcent Dysentery Laxative Stimulant Stomachic The leaves are appetizer, carminative, demulcent, laxative, stimulant and stomachic[240]. An infusion is used in the treatment of dysentery, fevers, dyspepsia and liver disorders[240]. A decoction of the roots and unripe fruits is used in the treatment of dysentery[240]. The seeds contain a substance that has a similar action on the heart to digitalin (from Digitalis spp.), but less intense in its action[240].

Known Hazards

None known