Jute

Jute is known for its fiber production, second only to cotton. This woody annual is important in West Africa, not for its fiber production, but for its smooth tasting greens. The plant grows up to 4 feet in hight. Jute is commonly grown in back-yard gardens, interplanted with other vegetables. Its shiny leaves make it easy to distinguish among other plants. If allowed to go to seed, the plant will produce bright yellow flowers, which will form into elongated pods that contain several small, dark green seeds.