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Information About

Ramie




  Name Ramie
  Regnum Plant ae
  Divisio Magnoliophyta
  Classis Magnoliopsida
  Ordo Urticales
  Familia Urticaceae
  Genus '' Boehmeria ''
  Species '''''B nivea'''''
  Binomial ''Boehmeria nivea''
  Binomial Authority ( L ) Gaudich


Ramie (''Boehmeria nivea'') is a Flowering Plant in the Nettle family Urticaceae , native to eastern Asia . It is a Herbaceous Perennial growing to 2 m tall; the Leaves are heart-shaped, 7-15 cm long and 6-12 cm broad, and white on the underside with dense small hairs; unlike nettles, the hairs do not sting. It is also called '''Chinese silk plant''', '''Chinese grass''' or '''rhea'''.


Cultivation and uses

Ramie is one of the oldest Fibre crops, having been used for at least six thousand years, and is principally used for fabric production. It is a Bast fibre, and the part used is the bark ( Phloem ) of the vegetative stalks. It can sustain up to six harvests per year. Unlike other bast crops, ramie requires chemical processing to de-gum the fibre.

Ramie fibre is known especially for its ability to hold shape, reduce wrinkling, and introduce a Silk y lustre to the fabric look. It is not as durable as other fibres, and so is usually used as a blend with other fibres such as Cotton or Wool .

Ramie is also used as an Ornamental Plant in eastern Asia.

Today, ramie is principally produced in China , Brazil , Philippines , India , South Korea , Thailand and Indonesia .


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