Hemp is a traditional plant that has been used in the production of various products. Such products include cosmetics, insulation, and construction materials. Other products are nutritional supplements, paper, as well as other manufactured goods. It can be grown as a fiber, seed, or a dual-purpose group crop. Commercial cultivation of hemp is prohibited in certain countries. The anatomy and structure of the plant suit its industrial functions. This paper examines the anatomy, structure, development, as well as the growth patterns of the plant. Additionally, it explores uses, ecological niche, and the differences between a male as well as female hemp plants.
The production of hemp in large scale is done in Holland, Italy, Chile, and the United States. In the U.S, the crop is grown as a single crop. Most varieties of hemp that grow in the warm climatic regions are often restricted since they have narcotic properties (Bouloc, 2013). In countries with warm climate such as Syria and India, the mass production of the plant is banned. The plant is within the family Urticaceae and sub-family Cannabinacea. Worldwide, industrial hemp is grown as an agricultural product in more than thirty countries. The restriction put on the growth of the plant is usually under certain laws (Fine, 2014). The developments of industries that deal with hemp have been restricted by the rules and regulations that control the plant.
The hemp plant has several structures that form its anatomy. The structures are similar to those of other flowering plants. However, the anatomy of hemp is particularly suited to the uses of the plant (Bouloc, 2013). Hemp plant grows to a height of 1.5-4.5 meters. Hemp is an annual crop that usually grows erect with no branches. The crop often present in two forms, vegetative parts and the flowers. The two parts of the plant only occur under normal conditions. When the plant experiences adverse conditions, it presents in two sexes (male and female). Hemp has a tap root system that develops adequately when humidity and temperature are at optimum level. The stem of the plant is thin, hollow, and erect with no branches except at the apical part of the plant. The diameter of the plant’s stem varies depending on the plant variety and climatic conditions. The leafy areas are palmate and compound with seven to ten leaflets on a single leaf.
Pollination, as well as fertilization, is regarded as the most crucial mechanisms in plant reproduction. The hemp plant has separate male and female plants. The male produces pollen grains while the female produces seeds and eggs. The anther of the male plant rests on a filamentous stalk while the female contains a sticky bulb like substance that attracts pollen grains (Bouloc, 2013). Even though most hemp plants have separate male and female sexes, some of them are hermaphrodites. The most common distributor of pollen grains during pollination is the wind. Once the pollen grains fall on the stigma, they travel down the site of fertilization (ovary). In the ovary, the pollen grains fertilize the ovules (female sex cells). Upon maturity, the ovule becomes a seed with a complete set of genetic composition.
The male hemp plants are tall and thin while the females are thicker and shorter. Due to their thin nature, male stalks have been used in making fine linens (clothing, hand towels, and beddings). The male plants tensile strength is also higher than the female. This makes the male stalks appropriate for making high tensile linens (Prance & Nesbitt, 2012). The fibers of the female plants are used in the manufacture of coarser fabrics such as tarp and bags. Hemp has also been used in the construction industry as hempcrete. Hempcrete is a mixture of lime, and the inner core of the hemp plant is known as ‘shive’. The high silica content of the hemp stalk makes it suitable for use as an insulating material (Fine, 2014). Concrete is approximately seven times heavier as compared to the hempcrete. The hemp seed produces high oil content making the seed suitable for the manufacture of oils. Oils manufactured from the hemp seeds have high fat contents when compared to other seeds.
Hemp oil can also be used in the manufacture soaps. These soaps are often used for medical purposes. The oil as well as the soap can be rubbed against a cracked skin for softening of the skin. Additionally, the oil can be used as a nutritional supplement due to the high levels of essential fatty acids in the hemp plant (Bouloc, 2013). The hemp oils help to moisturize and nourish the skin. Regular use of hemp oil maintains the natural outlook of the skin. The fatty acids also provide energy to the body.
The hemp plant has taproots that go deeper than other crops. Through the taproots, the plant often absorbs nutrients for other plants. It makes them (nutrients) available next to the surface for other plants. Since hemp has a tendency of accumulating nutrients, it helps other plant access the nutrients easily (Prance & Nesbitt, 2012). Therefore, it is essential to rotate hemp with other plants. The roots of the plants grow up to five meters enabling it to absorb the deep lying minerals. The plant can also act as a pesticide since the roots produce chemicals that have microbial effects. Besides, the plant returns approximately sixty percent to the soil.
Certain characteristics exist that can be used to distinguish between male and female hemp plants (Prance & Nesbitt, 2012). In most cases, approximately fifty percent of the seeds are often of one sex. Male hemp plants have buds that contain pollen grains. These sacs often burst releasing the pollen grains. The female plants take longer to show their characteristics. They begin by showing certain hairs that are specifically used to identify the females. These identifications are essential in artificial reproduction.
The hemp plant is an economical plant that can be used in the manufacture of several products. Besides, the health benefits of the plant should be harnessed to ensure its potential is met. The restrictions placed on growing of hemp plant should also be relaxed. This would improve the market and production of the commodity.
References
Bouloc, P. (Ed.). (2013). Hemp: industrial production and uses. Oxfordshire: CABI.
Fine, D. (2014). Hemp Bound. Singapore: Singapore Books.
Prance, G., & Nesbitt, M. (Eds.). (2012). The cultural history of plants. London: Routledge.
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