Hibiscus cannabinus

Kenaf

Hibiscus cannabinus, commonly known as kenaf, is a versatile annual plant valued for its fibrous stalks and medicinal potential. Traditionally used in herbal remedies, it offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Beyond its therapeutic uses, this robust species serves as a sustainable resource for textiles, paper, and bioenergy production.

  • Scientific name: Hibiscus cannabinus
  • Family: Malvaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malvales, it is classified under the family Malvaceae. Finally, its taxonomic placement is completed within the genus Hibiscus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malvales WCVP
Family Malvaceae WCVP
Genus Hibiscus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known by various names across different languages, is widely recognized for its unique botanical characteristics. In Polish, it is referred to as Ketmia konopiowata, while in Basque and French, it is commonly called Kenaf. It also goes by the name Кенаф in Belarusian and is known as Гибискус коноплёвый in Russian.
Language Common Name Source
pl Ketmia konopiowata Wikidata
eu Kenaf Wikidata
fr Kenaf Wikidata
be Кенаф Wikidata
ru Гибискус коноплёвый Wikidata
ca Kenaf Wikidata
uk гібіск конопляний Wikidata
de Kenaf Wikidata
ml മെസ്റ്റ Wikidata
ja ケナフ Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions across the globe. In Middle Europe, it can be found growing within the borders of Hungary. Moving toward the Mediterranean, it is located in the Southeastern European region of Kriti. Its presence extends through Eastern Europe, specifically throughout Ukraine and South European Russia. Finally, the species reaches the Atlantic reaches of Macaronesia in Cape Verde.

Region Area Source
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Southeastern Europe Kriti WCVP
Eastern Europe South European Russia WCVP
Eastern Europe Ukraine WCVP
Macaronesia Cape Verde WCVP
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Gambia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Hibiscus cannabinus, commonly known as kenaf, utilizes various botanical structures for its growth and medicinal applications. The roots, which extend deep into the soil to provide stability and nutrient absorption, consist of a central root system that anchors the plant effectively. Above the ground, the lush green leaves are essential for photosynthesis, and each individual leaf possesses a distinct shape that contributes to the plant's overall physiological functions.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
4
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Hibiscus cannabinus has 19 reported phytochemicals identified across 20 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, 1-octadecanesulphonyl chloride, 9-oximino-2,7-diethoxyfluorene, Ca, Mg.

Total chemicals
19
Scientific sources
20

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
1-octadecanesulphonyl chloride 1 ★☆☆☆☆
9-oximino-2,7-diethoxyfluorene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Ca 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Mg 1 ★☆☆☆☆
P 1 ★☆☆☆☆
acetate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cianidanol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gamma-tocopherol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
heptacosane 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Hibiscus cannabinus has 8 reported activities identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiapoptotic, Antidepressant, Antimalarial, Antioxidant, Antiplasmodial.

Total activities
8
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antiapoptotic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidepressant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiplasmodial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anxiolytic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Sedative 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Tonic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Hibiscus cannabinus has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Plasmodium falciparum, Salt Stress, malaria, salt stress.

Total uses
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Plasmodium falciparum 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Salt Stress 1 ★☆☆☆☆
malaria 1 ★☆☆☆☆
salt stress 1 ★☆☆☆☆