Common Name: Nalta jute. Tamil Name: Punaku, Peratti.
Nalta jute is native to the Indo-Burma area and is cultivated in India for its fiber. It generally grows to a height of about 2 feet; cultivated varieties grows to nearly 3 meters. The stem is greenish in color with some purple patches. The simple leaves are arranged in an alternate manner; leaf margin is crenate. The leaf stalk and leaf measure around 1.2 cm and 6.9 cm respectively. The upper leaf surface has a sandpaper like feel. The inflorescence is axially; flowers are yellow in color with five calyx elements, 5 petals and 10 stamens. The flower stalk measure around 1 mm; the petals are distinct and yellow colored. The fruit is in the form of 10 ribbed capsule. The capsule contains many seeds. The young shoots of the plant are cooked and eaten, the seeds are also edible. Nalta jute is mainly cultivated for the fiber which is extracted from the bark.
