making paper from plants

[flaja]

Has anyone ever made paper from kenaf?

One of the issues on my Mother Earth News archive discs mentions that you can make paper from sunflowers, but the article didn't give any details. Does anyone know how?

 

[Neko-chan]

...

 

[Marianne]

What's kenaf? And where does it grow?

 

[flaja]

Are we talking stationery, or tp? Because I've made paper from recycled papers and natural plant fibers and stuff, but I've never tried to grow anything for tp.

Stationery. I want something that can be used to demonstrate the process of making paper in a pre-industrial setting. I want something like rag paper without having to rely on a source of cloth.

 

[flaja]

What's kenaf? And where does it grow?

Kenaf is a biennial plant that grows in warm climates. Some of it is already grown as an annual plant in Georgia and some of the Gulf Coast states. It is harvested like hay. It can be used for animal feed and bedding and the seeds can be eaten by humans. But its mainly grown for its fiber. It can be made into newsprint, woven into fabric that is used to stop erosion in highway construction and even used as a substitute for fiberglass in making auto parts.

 

[Marianne]

Interesting! Thanks.

 

[calendula]

Never heard of kenaf, but I've made paper out of broccoli stems.