Definition

Noun: 1. A strong fiber-yielding plant: "China jute" refers to a tall, fast-growing annual herb or subshrub (Abutilon theophrasti) native to tropical Asia. It is characterized by velvety, heart-shaped leaves, yellow flowers, and seed pods. The plant yields a strong, bast fiber similar to jute, used for cordage and textiles. It is also a significant agricultural weed, naturalized in many regions including southeastern Europe and the United States.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The fibers from china jute are used to make twine and coarse cloth.
  • Farmers consider china jute, also known as velvetleaf, a problematic weed in corn and soybean fields.
  • Botanists study the rapid spread of china jute in non-native ecosystems.

Advanced Usage

• As a common name: The term "china jute" is primarily a common name for the plant species . In agricultural and botanical contexts, it is often discussed alongside its other common names, which highlight different characteristics.
  • While valued for its fiber in some regions, china jute is more widely known as an invasive weed called velvetleaf.

Variants and Related Words

• Velvetleaf (n): The most common common name for this plant in North America, referring to the soft, velvety texture of its leaves.
• Butterprint (n): Another common name, stemming from the historical use of its seed pods as a butter mold.
• Indian mallow (n): A broader common name relating it to the mallow family (Malvaceae).

Synonyms

• Velvetleaf (n): The predominant synonym, especially in agricultural contexts.
• (n): The formal botanical Latin name.

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Bast fiber (n): The type of strong, soft fiber obtained from the phloem of plants like jute, flax, hemp, and china jute.
• Agricultural weed (n): A plant growing where it is not desired, competing with crops. This is a key contextual term for modern usage of "china jute."

Noun

1. tall annual herb or subshrub of tropical Asia having velvety leaves and yellow flowers and yielding a strong fiber; naturalized in southeastern Europe and United States