Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Fibre-yielding plants are crucial for various industries, including textiles, paper, and rope making. These plants provide natural fibres that are renewable and biodegradable, offering sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials. Understanding the botanical aspects of these plants – their scientific names and family affiliations – is essential for efficient cultivation, processing, and quality control. The specific plant parts utilized for fibre extraction also vary significantly, impacting the fibre’s characteristics and applications.
Five Fibre-Yielding Plants
The following table details five fibre-yielding plants, their botanical names, families, and the plant parts used for fibre production:
| Plant Name (Common) | Botanical Name | Family | Part Used for Fibre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Gossypium arboreum / Gossypium hirsutum | Malvaceae | Seed fibres (surrounding the seeds) |
| Jute | Corchorus capsularis / Corchorus olitorius | Tiliaceae | Bast fibres (from the stem) |
| Hemp | Cannabis sativa | Cannabaceae | Bast fibres (from the stem) |
| Flax | Linum usitatissimum | Linaceae | Bast fibres (from the stem) |
| Sisal | Agave sisalana | Asparagaceae | Leaf fibres |
Detailed Explanation of Each Plant:
- Cotton: Gossypium species are widely cultivated for their soft, fluffy fibres used in textiles. The fibres develop around the seeds within the fruit (boll).
- Jute: Known as the ‘golden fibre’ for its colour and cost-effectiveness, jute fibres are extracted from the bast (inner bark) of the jute plant. It’s primarily used for making burlap, sacks, and twine.
- Hemp: A versatile fibre with a long history of use, hemp fibres are strong and durable. They are obtained from the bast of the plant and used in textiles, ropes, and paper.
- Flax: Flax fibres, also known as linen, are renowned for their strength, absorbency, and coolness. They are extracted from the bast of the flax plant stem.
- Sisal: Derived from the leaves of the sisal agave, these fibres are exceptionally strong and resistant to saltwater. They are commonly used for ropes, twines, and mats.
The quality and characteristics of the fibre depend on factors like plant variety, growing conditions, and extraction methods.
Conclusion
Fibre-yielding plants represent a significant component of the agricultural economy and provide essential raw materials for diverse industries. Understanding their botanical classification and the specific plant parts utilized for fibre extraction is crucial for sustainable production and efficient utilization. Continued research and development in fibre technology are essential to enhance fibre quality and explore new applications, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
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.