Identification, Extraction and Spinning Processes Hemp-Type Fibers

 

Bast fibers — commonly grouped under the informal name “linen/hemp/industrial fibers” — are natural cellulosic fibers obtained from the stems (bast) of various dicotyledonous plants. They have been used for millennia for textiles, ropes, paper, composites, and more. This article reviews the main types of bast fibers (ramie, flax, hemp, sisal, jute, kenaf, nettle), explains how to identify the plants in the field, and describes the industrial machinery and process steps used both to extract fiber from stalks and to spin these fibers into yarn. For each plant and each machine/process step the article lists suggested public image sources (for easy download or embedding) so you can assemble a richly illustrated Word document or presentation.

Types of Bast Fibers and How to Identify Their Plants

Below are the most commonly used bast fibers with short botanical notes and field identification tips. After each entry you’ll find suggested image search keywords and example public image sources (Wikimedia Commons / botanical gardens / FAO images) that you can use to obtain free images.
Ramie (Boehmeria nivea)
Overview: Ramie is a strong, glossy bast fiber produced from the perennial plant Boehmeria nivea (commonly called ramie). Fibers are very fine, lustrous, and highly valued for specialty textiles.
Identification: Ramie plants are erect perennials reaching 1–2 meters, with heart-shaped, serrated leaves, opposite leaf arrangement, and small clusters of white flowers in spike-like inflorescences. Leaves have a rough, sandpapery feel on the underside.
Flax (Linum usitatissimum)
Flax (Linum usitatissimum)— also called linen or common flax
Overview: Flax is the classical linen fiber, produced from Linum usitatissimum. It produces fine, long fibers used in high-quality linen fabrics.
Identification: Flax is an annual herb 30–70 cm tall, with slender stems, narrow lanceolate leaves, and distinctive pale blue flowers with five petals. Stems are smooth and slightly glaucous.
Hemp (Cannabis sativa)
Overview: Industrial hemp (not to be confused with drug varieties) yields long bast fibers used in ropes, coarse textiles, and composites. Hemp is valued for its strength and durability.
Identification: Hemp plants are tall (often 1–4 m), with palmate compound leaves (5–9 leaflets), serrated margins, and a distinctive branching habit. Flowering spikes and seed-bearing clusters help distinguish varieties.
Sisal (Agave sisalana)
Sisal (Agave sisalana)— often referred to as sisal hemp
Overview: Sisal is technically a leaf fiber from Agave sisalana rather than a classic bast fiber, but is often grouped with coarse plant fibers for similar uses (cordage, rugs).
 Identification: Sisal is a succulent monocot with long, sword-shaped, fibrous leaves in a rosette; leaves are thick, fleshy, and armed with marginal teeth. The plant forms a central stem when it flowers.
Jute (Corchorus spp.)
Overview: Jute (primarily Corchorus olitorius and C. capsularis) yields a coarse, strong fiber widely used for sacks, backing materials, and geotextiles.
Identification: Jute plants are tall annuals 1–2 meters tall with slender stems, alternate leaves, and small yellow flowers. Stems are fibrous and often grown in dense stands in wet soils.
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus)
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus)— also called Java jute or roselle family member
Overview: Kenaf provides bast fibers similar to jute; the plant is used for fiber, pulp, and composite applications.
Identification: Kenaf is an annual hibiscus-like plant, often 2–4 meters tall, with alternate lobed leaves and large hibiscus-type flowers. Stems are thick and fibrous.
Nettle (Urtica dioica and other species)
Overview: Nettle fibers (historical use in Europe) are extracted from stinging nettles and other Urtica species.
Identification: Urtica species have opposite, serrated leaves, and characteristic stinging hairs. Plants often grow in dense stands in nutrient-rich soils; flowers are small and hanging catkin-like clusters.
More derails can be found here.

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