Jute consists of phloem fibres of the stem of various species of the Corchorus like Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis, belonging to the family Tiliaceae.
The jute plants are cultivated in West Bengal, in the basins of Ganges and in Assam.
Chemical constituents:
The fibres are yellowish brown in colour and contains cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin.
Chemical test:
Jute contains lignin and it gives red colour with phloroglucinol and hydrochloric acid.
Uses:
Used for the manufacture of tows (stupa-wet cloth or sponge charged with medication for external application), padding splints, filtering and straining medium. Jute fibres are used for the preparation of coarse bags (gunny bags).
