Kenaf, Hibiscus cannabinus, is a hibiscus grown for its strong bast fibre, called mesta or Deccan hemp, and for its sour leaves, which some Andhra kitchens cook like gongura. Its fibre is used for sacks, ropes and paper, and it has been studied as a fast-growing pulp crop. Its leaves look a little like cannabis, which explains the species name, but it is unrelated.
- Botanical name
- Hibiscus cannabinus L.
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Tamil
- Kenaf
- Hindi
- Kenaf
- Parts used
- Leaf, Bast fibre
- Habit
- Kenaf; Andhra gongura is a shop word
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Kenaf
It is a tall annual, two to four metres, with slender, prickly stems.
The leaves vary on the same plant: lower ones are heart-shaped, upper ones are deeply divided into three to seven narrow lobes.
Flowers are large, cream to pale yellow with a deep crimson centre, opening for a single day.
Roselle, Hibiscus sabdariffa, the usual red gongura, has reddish stems and fleshy red calyces used for drinks.
Each flower lasts a day, and the plant keeps flowering for weeks.
Traditional use of Kenaf
Fibre
The stems are retted like jute, and the fibre is spun into sacks, twine and ropes in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal.
Indian fibre practice
Kitchen
In parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana the sour leaves are cooked into pachadi and dal, as with roselle gongura.
Telugu food practice
Modern notes on Kenaf
Kenaf grows fast, absorbs carbon quickly and gives fibre suitable for paper, composites and insulation.
The leaves are rich in vitamin C and minerals.
Kenaf safety
Eat the leaves cooked, as in traditional recipes. Handle stems with gloves because of the prickles.
Ecology and sourcing
It is native to Africa and grown in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
It tolerates drought and poor soils better than jute.
Bees visit its flowers.
Related plants
Also in Malvaceae
Questions about Kenaf
Is Kenaf cannabis?
No. Only its leaves look similar.
Is Kenaf gongura?
Some Andhra kitchens use its leaves as gongura, but red gongura is usually roselle.
What is mesta?
The Indian trade name for kenaf and roselle fibres.
Is Kenaf grown in India?
Yes, mainly in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar.
Sources
- Hibiscus cannabinus L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q1075904 (Hibiscus cannabinus)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.