Sunn Hemp

Sunn Hemp, the fibre from the liber-layer of the stem of Crotalaria juncea, a shrubby leguminous plant, eight to twelve feet high, extensively cultivated in India. Crotalaria is a large genus, with racemes of yellow papilionaceous flowers with a two-lipped calyx, heart-shaped standard petal, monadelphous stamens, and curved oblong, inflated legume. C. juncea branches and bears silky simple leaves. The fibre is not so soft as jute, and is chiefly used for cordage and canvas.