Family: Malvaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 747 (1762)
Year: 1762
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Corchorus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to Trop. America
Description
Orinoco jute, scientifically known as Corchorus hirtus, is a member of the Malvaceae family. This versatile plant is indigenous to regions stretching from Mexico to Tropical America, showcasing its adaptability to a range of tropical climates.
First described in 1762, Corchorus hirtus was cataloged in Linnæus’s seminal work, “Species Plantarum,” where it was meticulously classified. Over time, Orinoco jute has garnered attention for its numerous applications, particularly in textile production. The plant is renowned for its strong, fibrous stalks which have been historically harvested to produce jute—a durable, eco-friendly material commonly used in making ropes, sacks, and various packaging materials.
In addition to its economic uses, Orinoco jute holds ecological significance. It grows well in tropical environments and contributes to soil health by preventing erosion due to its extensive root systems. Its foliage also provides a habitat and food source for local wildlife, enhancing biodiversity.
The plant’s resilience and utility make it an important crop in tropical agriculture, providing both economic and environmental benefits. Whether utilized for its fibrous yield or its role in sustaining ecosystems, Orinoco jute is a remarkable example of nature’s ingenuity.
Common Names
Eng: orinoco jute, red jute
En: Orinoco jute, Red jute
Synonyms
- Corchorus humilis (A.St.-Hil.)
- Maerlensia hirsuta (Vell.)
- Corchorus biflorus (Sessé & Moc.)
- Antiphyla serrata (Raf.)
- Corchorus hirtus var. brasiliensis (K.Schum.)
- Corchorus hirtus var. argentinensis (Rodrigo)
- Corchorus mompoxensis (Kunth)
- Riddellia antiphyla (Raf.)
- Corchorus tortipes (A.St.-Hil.)
- Corchorus pilosus (Kunth)
- Corchorus tetrangulus (Langsd.)
- Corchorus pilolobus (Link)
- Corchorus hirtus f. longepetiolatus (Monteiro)
- Corchorus hirtus f. adscendens (K.Schum.)
- Corchorus bullatus (J.Jacq.)
- Corchorus hirtus f. hilarianus (K.Schum.)
- Corchorus hirtus f. humilis (K.Schum.)
- Corchorus hirtus var. martii (K.Schum.)
- Corchorus hirtus var. glabellus (A.Gray)
- Corchorus hirtus var. cuyabensis (K.Schum.)
- Corchorus lasiolobus (Spreng.)
- Corchorus hirtus var. pilosus ((Kunth) K.Schum.)
- Corchorus hirtus var. villosissima (K.Schum.)
- Corchorus villosissimus (A.St.-Hil.)
- Corchorus hirtus var. pilolobus ((Link) K.Schum.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Arizona (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Louisiana (introduced)
- Mississippi (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
- Texas (introduced)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Oct 2, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 2, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 2, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 2, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 2, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Mar 16, 2020 by Anne Perdereau (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 20, 2020 by casagrande dominique (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Mar 16, 2020 by Anne Perdereau (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3152085)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:320795-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Corchorus hirtus L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb