Latest revision as of 14:11, 21 February 2025

Corchorus olitorius[edit]

Corchorus olitorius, commonly known as jute, is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is one of the primary sources of jute fiber, which is used in the production of various textiles and materials. This plant is also cultivated for its edible leaves, which are consumed as a vegetable in many parts of the world.

Description[edit]

Corchorus olitorius is an annual herbaceous plant that can grow up to 4 meters in height. The leaves are simple, alternate, and lanceolate, with serrated margins. The flowers are small, yellow, and typically bloom in clusters. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous seeds.

Cultivation[edit]

Corchorus olitorius is primarily grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires a warm climate with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 37°C and a well-drained, loamy soil. The plant is usually sown at the beginning of the rainy season and harvested after 4 to 5 months.

Uses[edit]

Fiber Production[edit]

The primary use of Corchorus olitorius is for the production of jute fiber. The fibers are extracted from the stem of the plant through a process called retting, where the stems are soaked in water to separate the fibers from the woody core.

Culinary Uses[edit]

The leaves of Corchorus olitorius are rich in vitamins and minerals and are used as a leafy vegetable in many cuisines. In Egypt, the leaves are used to make a traditional soup known as molokhia.

Other Uses[edit]

In addition to fiber and food, Corchorus olitorius is used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Processing[edit]

The processing of jute involves several steps, including harvesting, retting, stripping, washing, and drying. The fibers are then spun into yarns and woven into various products such as sacks, ropes, and mats.

Economic Importance[edit]

Corchorus olitorius is a significant cash crop in countries like Bangladesh, India, and Egypt. It provides employment to millions of people involved in its cultivation, processing, and trade.

Environmental Impact[edit]

Jute cultivation is considered environmentally friendly as it requires minimal use of fertilizers and pesticides. It also helps in improving soil fertility and reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

Related Pages[edit]

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-{{Short description|A plant species used in culinary and medicinal applications}}
+= Corchorus olitorius =
-{{Taxobox
-| name = Corchorus olitorius
-| image = Corchorus_olitorius.jpg
-| image_caption = Leaves of ''Corchorus olitorius''
-| regnum = Plantae
-| unranked_divisio = Angiosperms
-| unranked_classis = Eudicots
-| unranked_ordo = Rosids
-| ordo = Malvales
-| familia = Malvaceae
-| genus = ''Corchorus''
-| species = ''C. olitorius''
-| binomial = ''Corchorus olitorius''
-| binomial_authority = L.
-}}
-'''''Corchorus olitorius''''', commonly known as [[jute mallow]], is a species of plant in the family [[Malvaceae]]. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its leaves, which are used as a vegetable, and for its fibers, which are used in the production of jute.
+[[File:Soup_of_Tender_Leaves_of_Jutes.jpg|thumb|right|A soup made from the tender leaves of ''Corchorus olitorius'' in Egypt.]]
-==Description==
+'''''Corchorus olitorius''''', commonly known as [[jute]], is a species of flowering plant in the family [[Malvaceae]]. It is one of the primary sources of jute fiber, which is used in the production of various textiles and materials. This plant is also cultivated for its edible leaves, which are consumed as a vegetable in many parts of the world.
-''Corchorus olitorius'' is an annual herbaceous plant that can grow up to 2 meters in height. The leaves are simple, alternate, and lanceolate, with serrated margins. The plant produces small yellow flowers, which are followed by elongated seed pods containing numerous small seeds.
-==Cultivation==
+== Description ==
-''Corchorus olitorius'' is typically grown in warm climates with well-drained soil. It requires a moderate amount of water and thrives in full sunlight. The plant is often cultivated in [[Africa]], [[Asia]], and the [[Middle East]], where it is an important source of nutrition and fiber.
-==Culinary Uses==
+''Corchorus olitorius'' is an annual herbaceous plant that can grow up to 4 meters in height. The leaves are simple, alternate, and lanceolate, with serrated margins. The flowers are small, yellow, and typically bloom in clusters. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous seeds.
-The leaves of ''Corchorus olitorius'' are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a valuable addition to the diet. They are commonly used in soups and stews, particularly in [[Egyptian cuisine]], where the dish known as [[molokhia]] is a popular preparation. The leaves have a mucilaginous texture when cooked, which thickens the broth and adds a unique flavor.
-[[File:Molokhia_soup.jpg|thumb|left|Molokhia soup made with ''Corchorus olitorius'' leaves]]
+== Cultivation ==
-==Medicinal Uses==
+[[File:Jute_field_visit_07.jpg|thumb|left|A field of ''Corchorus olitorius'' in Bangladesh.]]
-In traditional medicine, ''Corchorus olitorius'' is used for its purported health benefits. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The leaves are sometimes used to treat digestive issues and to promote overall health.
-==Fiber Production==
+''Corchorus olitorius'' is primarily grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires a warm climate with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 37°C and a well-drained, loamy soil. The plant is usually sown at the beginning of the rainy season and harvested after 4 to 5 months.
-The fibers extracted from the stems of ''Corchorus olitorius'' are used in the production of jute, a strong and durable material used in making ropes, sacks, and other products. Jute is a significant cash crop in countries like [[Bangladesh]] and [[India]].
-==Environmental Impact==
+== Uses ==
-''Corchorus olitorius'' plays a role in sustainable agriculture due to its ability to improve soil quality and its use in crop rotation systems. The plant's rapid growth and biomass production make it an effective cover crop.
-==Related Pages==
+=== Fiber Production ===
+[[File:The_Jute_Tree.jpg|thumb|right|A mature ''Corchorus olitorius'' plant.]]
+The primary use of ''Corchorus olitorius'' is for the production of jute fiber. The fibers are extracted from the stem of the plant through a process called retting, where the stems are soaked in water to separate the fibers from the woody core.
+[[File:Jute_Cultivation_and_Processing_Bangladesh_(2).JPG|thumb|left|Jute cultivation and processing in Bangladesh.]]
+=== Culinary Uses ===
+The leaves of ''Corchorus olitorius'' are rich in vitamins and minerals and are used as a leafy vegetable in many cuisines. In Egypt, the leaves are used to make a traditional soup known as [[molokhia]].
+=== Other Uses ===
+In addition to fiber and food, ''Corchorus olitorius'' is used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
+== Processing ==
+[[File:পাটের_আঁশ_ছাড়ানো_হচ্ছে.jpg|thumb|right|The process of extracting jute fibers.]]
+The processing of jute involves several steps, including harvesting, retting, stripping, washing, and drying. The fibers are then spun into yarns and woven into various products such as sacks, ropes, and mats.
+[[File:Jute_cane.jpg|thumb|left|Jute cane after fiber extraction.]]
+== Economic Importance ==
+''Corchorus olitorius'' is a significant cash crop in countries like Bangladesh, India, and Egypt. It provides employment to millions of people involved in its cultivation, processing, and trade.
+[[File:Jute_Cultivation_and_Processing_Bangladesh_(5).JPG|thumb|right|Jute processing in Bangladesh.]]
+== Environmental Impact ==
+Jute cultivation is considered environmentally friendly as it requires minimal use of fertilizers and pesticides. It also helps in improving soil fertility and reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
+[[File:Transporting_Jute_In_Rural_Bangladeshi_Village_05.jpg|thumb|left|Transporting jute in a rural Bangladeshi village.]]
+== Related Pages ==
 * [[Jute]]
 * [[Molokhia]]
 * [[Malvaceae]]
-* [[Traditional medicine]]
+* [[Retting]]
 [[Category:Malvaceae]]
+[[Category:Fiber plants]]
 [[Category:Leaf vegetables]]
-[[Category:Fiber plants]]
+[[Category:Flora of Africa]]
-[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
+[[Category:Flora of Asia]]

Corchorus olitorius: Difference between revisions