Kenaf
Hibiscus cannabinus
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 63AC — Hibiscus cannabinus
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IOverview
Overview
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) is a light-loving annual or perennial herb that grows up to 1.8 meters tall in habitats across Africa and parts of Asia including Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, and others. Known for its edible flowers, leaves, roots, and seeds, it thrives in moist conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil. This versatile plant is adaptable to a hardiness range of 6-12, making it suitable for various climates. Its distinctive feature includes the use of its fibers for rope and paper production, alongside its culinary applications.
Quick answers
What is Kenaf?
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) is a light-loving annual or perennial herb that grows up to 1.8 meters tall in habitats across Africa and parts of Asia including Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, and others.
What is Kenaf used for?
Traditionally used for topical & skin, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Kenaf
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Kenaf leaves and flowers have been traditionally used in topical applications to support skin health, particularly for minor irritations and wounds.
The mechanism is not fully characterized but may involve anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial compounds present in the plant.
- Kenaf has been traditionally used in African herbal medicine for digestive issues, often prepared as a decoction to soothe the stomach and promote healthy digestion.
The mechanism by which kenaf supports digestion is not fully characterized but may involve compounds that interact with gut motility or reduce inflammation.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Kenaf support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Kenaf thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in temperate regions with hardiness zones of 6-12. Kenaf can be an annual or perennial, reaching a height of about 1.8 meters. For cultivation, you can propagate it through seeds. Ensure the soil is well-draining and keep it consistently moist during the growing season. Harvest its edible parts—flowers, leaves, roots, and seeds—as needed throughout the growing period.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-12
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.8 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Kenaf for the first time
7steps
Start with easy-to-grow Kenaf for a rewarding beginner gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a garden trowel, and a watering can or hose.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost when soil temperatures are above 60°F (15°C).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with full sun. Ensure the soil is well-draining, light, medium, or heavy.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 inch deep and 3-4 inches apart in rows 6 feet apart. Thin to 2-3 feet as they grow.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests like aphids.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent watering and mulch around plants to retain moisture. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth and remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRootSeed
Edible uses: Oil, Condiment
Other uses:DyeFiberFire starteroiltextilesPlant supportSoap makingSoil reclamationWeaving material
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Africa27 regions
native (27)BeninBotswanaBurkina FasoBurundiChadCôte d'IvoireEritreaEswatiniEthiopiaGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauKenyaMalawiMaliMauritaniaMozambiqueNamibiaNigerNigeriaRwandaSenegalSierra LeoneSomaliaSudanTogo
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Congo, KwaZulu-Natal
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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