An erect, herbaceous, single stemmed plant that can reach 1-5 m in height. The flowers are red or yellow with a bright red centre. USES: It is mainly grown as a fiber crop. The fiber is used for ropes, bags, cordages, and carpet yarns and it can also be used as pulp fiber. The seeds contain an oil that is used in lubricants, soaps, linoleum, and paint. Young plants can be used as fodder and young leaves are used as potherbs. The dried stems can be used as fuel. #1130