Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Fibre-yielding plants are crucial to human civilization, providing raw materials for textiles, paper, cordage, and numerous other applications. These plants represent a significant component of the agricultural economy in many regions globally. The fibres derived from these plants can be broadly categorized as bast fibres (from the phloem), surface fibres (from the epidermis), and seed fibres. Understanding the botanical origins and uses of these plants is essential for appreciating their economic and ecological significance. This answer will detail ten important fibre-yielding plants, including their botanical names and primary uses.
Ten Important Fibre-Yielding Plants and Their Uses
1. Cotton (Gossypium arboreum & Gossypium hirsutum): Cotton is arguably the most important fibre crop globally. The fibre is obtained from the seed hairs (seed fibre). It’s extensively used in the textile industry for clothing, home furnishings, and industrial applications. Gossypium arboreum is a perennial shrub native to India and Africa, while Gossypium hirsutum is the dominant species grown in the USA and other parts of the world.
2. Jute (Corchorus capsularis & Corchorus olitorius): Jute fibre is a bast fibre extracted from the stem of the jute plant. Corchorus capsularis (white jute) and Corchorus olitorius (tossa jute) are the two main species cultivated. Jute is primarily used for making burlap, hessian cloth, sacks, and twine. It’s known for its strength, biodegradability, and affordability.
3. Flax (Linum usitatissimum): Flax yields bast fibre used to produce linen, a strong and absorbent textile. The seeds are also used for linseed oil production. Flax requires specific climatic conditions and is grown in Europe, North America, and India. Linen is valued for its coolness and durability, making it suitable for summer clothing and household textiles.
4. Hemp (Cannabis sativa): Hemp is a versatile plant providing bast fibre used for ropes, canvas, and increasingly, textiles and bioplastics. Historically, it was a major source of fibre for maritime applications. Due to legal restrictions surrounding its cultivation (related to its psychoactive variety), hemp production has been limited, but is now experiencing a resurgence in many countries.
5. Ramie (Boehmeria nivea): Ramie is a bast fibre known for its exceptional strength and luster. It’s often blended with other fibres like cotton and wool to enhance their properties. Ramie requires warm, humid climates and is primarily grown in Asia, particularly China and India. It’s used in apparel, industrial fabrics, and upholstery.
6. Sisal (Agave sisalana): Sisal is a hard fibre extracted from the leaves of the sisal plant. It’s used for making ropes, twines, mats, rugs, and wall coverings. Sisal is drought-tolerant and grows well in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in East Africa and Brazil.
7. Coir (Cocos nucifera): Coir is a fibre extracted from the husk of the coconut. It’s a relatively coarse fibre used for making ropes, mats, brushes, and as a growing medium for plants. Coir is highly resistant to saltwater and is widely used in coastal regions.
8. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus): Kenaf is a bast fibre crop similar to jute, but generally stronger and more versatile. It’s used for paper production, textiles, and composite materials. Kenaf grows rapidly and requires minimal inputs, making it a sustainable fibre source.
9. Sunn Hemp (Crotalaria juncea): Sunn hemp is a leguminous plant that yields a bast fibre. It’s used for making ropes, twine, and paper. Sunn hemp also improves soil fertility due to its nitrogen-fixing capabilities. It’s grown in India, Brazil, and other tropical regions.
10. Pineapple (Ananas comosus): Pineapple leaves yield a bast fibre known as piña. Piña fibre is delicate and lustrous, traditionally used for making fine textiles in the Philippines, such as barong tagalog (a formal shirt). It’s a relatively labour-intensive fibre to extract, contributing to its higher cost.
Conclusion
Fibre-yielding plants remain vital to global economies and sustainable practices. From the ubiquitous cotton to the specialized piña, these plants provide a diverse range of fibres with unique properties and applications. Continued research into improving fibre yields, developing sustainable cultivation methods, and exploring novel applications will be crucial for ensuring the long-term viability of these important resources. The increasing demand for eco-friendly materials further emphasizes the significance of these plant-based fibres.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.