Natural Fibres Self guiding trail in the Adelaide Botanic Garden

From ancient Egyptian paper -

to hi-tech ideas from plants for improving natural fibres.

Education @ Adelaide Botanic Garden

Plant locations for teacher use Botanic Park

1. Banana Musa sp

3. Mulberry Morus alba

Hackney Road

10. Paper mulberry Broussonetia papyrifera

2. Papyrus Cyperus papyrus

Plane Tree Drive

Bus Parking Toilets

Friends Gate

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Car Park

4. Perennial flax Linum perenne

9 Spear lily Doryanthes sp. Education Service

z zz 5. New Zealand flax Phormium tenax

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z Restaurant

Kiosk

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6 Pineapple, Ananas sp

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7. Lotus Nelumbo nucifera

Museum of Economic Botany Enjoy the display of fibres from around the world.

8 Australian flax lily Dianella sp

Finding the plants 1. Banana, (Musa sp.). Look for the large clump of tall banana plants near the seat. There are two different species here. 2. Papyrus, (Cyperus papyrus). There are several clumps of papyrus in the garden. Look for a plant with long stems and a circular ‘mop’ of leaves at the top. The best stand of papyrus is along side the lake near the glass house, but students will not be able to see a label here. 3. Mulberry, (Morus alba). The Mulberry plant covers a small shade rotunda near the path. 4. Perennial flax, (Linum perenne). This is a short plant alongside the path at the northern side of the economic garden. However it is difficult to grow. If you cannot find it here look in the Garden of Health. 5. New Zealand flax, (Phormium tenax). This is a tall straight-leaved plant on the eastern side of the garden. There are several named examples here. 6. Pineapple, (Ananas sp). This is a small plant on the southern side of the glasshouse. 7. Lotus, (Nelumbo nucifera). The large pond of lotus plants is just near the bridge at the end of the lake. 8. Australian flax lily, (Dianella sp). You will find this small leafy plant next to the bridge and planted along the path in this area of the garden. 9. Spear lily, (Doryanthes sp) 10. Paper mulberry, (Broussonetia papyrifera). This is a tall tree with cream/grey bark, behind a garden seat. The name is about 1.5 m off the ground in the folds of the bark. There is also a younger Paper mulberry on the western side of the Economic Garden near station 5.

INFORMATION CARDS 1 Bananas are not just for eating

Musa sp.

The cloth made from banana plants is called Abaca. The best fibre comes from a non-fruiting type of banana (called Musa textilis) which looks very similar to the banana plants you will find in the Botanic Gardens. The fibre comes from the stems and leaves. The outer stem fibres are thick and so they are used to make rope or tough cloth. The inner fibres are softer and can be used to make fine clothing. Banana fibre can also be used for making paper, tea bags, coffee filters and sausage casings. Banana fibres can be up to 5 metres long. The cloth, rope and paper made from such long fibres are very strong. In Australia fruiting bananas are grown in Queensland. Scientists are testing these to see if their fibre can be used for making paper and turn the waste part of the banana plant into a useful fibre product. Did you know:The Japanese bank note (yen) is made with about 70% banana fibre, and in the Philippines banana fibre has recently been added to the paper used for its bank notes because banana fibre improves the strength and feel of the paper money. (Most other paper money is made from 100% cotton fibre)

2 Papyrus was probably the first plant used to make paper The ancient Egyptians used papyrus to make paper thousands of years ago. Papyrus was the main paper-like material used to write on for many years until it was replaced by parchments, made from animal skins. Parchments were better to write on because they had a smoother surface than papyrus. Parchment could also be folded and made into books and didn’t grow mould as easily if it got damp. Today paper made from wood has replaced animal skin parchments because it is more economical to produce and can be made in large rolls that are easily cut to the size required. To make the paper, papyrus stems were cut into pieces about 15 cm long. The outer skin was peeled off and then each stem was sliced into thin strips. These strips were put into layers, with the second layer added at 900 to the first. The layers were pounded with a mallet and then dried with a weight on top to help keep the sheet flat. The sap of the papyrus acted like a glue, holding the strips together. Pieces of papyrus were joined together to make a long scroll.

Consider this:Being able to record events and ideas is very important in passing on knowledge. How else could people record ideas so others could learn from their work?

3 Mulberry leaves are essential in producing high quality silk

(Morus alba)

Silkworms are actually caterpillars of the moth, Bombyx mori. When they are ready to turn into moths they make a silk cocoon, wrapping themselves in one long thread that can be 500 to 1,500 metres long. Silkworms can eat different types of leaves but they make the best silk if they are fed Mulberry tree leaves. The cocoons are treated with hot air or steam to kill the caterpillar inside and to soften the silk. The silk is then unwound from the cocoon. Several threads are twisted together to make the silk thick enough to weave. Silk is used for special things like fashion clothing, scarves, ribbons and wall hangings. It is very comfortable to wear and it has a beautiful natural sheen. China is the main producer of silk. There is also lots of silk produced in India and Thailand. Did you know:The domesticated silkworm is no longer found in the wild. It is completely dependent on humans for its survival.

4 Perennial Flax can be used to make linen.

Linum perenne

This plant looks similar and is closely related to flax, (Linum usitatissimum). Both the flax and the perennial flax plants produce the type of fibre used to make linen cloth. Linen is used for making clothes because it is comfortable and cool to wear. Linen is unusual because it is stronger when it is wet than when dry. People made good use of this quality when they used linen cloth to make sails. Flax fibre is very strong and can also be used for making string, nets, baskets, mats and paper. To collect the fibre for making linen cloth the plant is harvested just after it has flowered. The fibre is collected from the green stems of the plant. The stems are partly rotted by bacteria to help free the fibres. The stems are then crushed between rollers to remove the hard woody parts. The short fibres are removed by combing them away leaving the long soft flax fibre. If the fibre is going to be used for making paper the plant is harvested later when the stems are partly dried well after flowering. Did you know:Linen was used by the ancient Egyptians. They made clothes from linen and also used it to wrap mummies. Linen is one of the oldest woven materials that have ever been found.

5 New Zealand flax can be used for fine clothing or ropes (Phormium tenax) This plant was used by the Maori people to make materials and ropes long before European sailors arrived in New Zealand. There are two main types of New Zealand flax. The type you see in the Botanic Gardens grows in low lands and swampy areas. The other type is mountain flax that grows higher up in the mountains of New Zealand. Within these two main types of flax plants there were many varieties that gave different quality fibres. Some New Zealand flax plants produced fibre that was best for making strong, tough ropes. Others made softer fibres which were used in making cloaks and clothing. To collect the fibre leaves were cut off the plant and soaked in water. The leaves were scraped to take off the soft parts. The clean long fibres were then dried and ready for using. Rope fibre was a major export crop for New Zealand in the early 1900’s. However, when cheap synthetic rope became available farmers stopped growing it. Now there are machines which can help process the leaves and collect the fibre which makes New Zealand flax fibre production more economical. Consider this:The New Zealand flax plant is different to the common flax plant that is used in making linen and linseed oil. New Zealand flax is also different to the native Australia flax lily. Why do you think they all have a similar common name, flax?

6 Pineapple makes a silk like material

(Ananas comosus)

Cloth made from Pineapple is called pina. It can be as fine as silk. The fibre is in the leaves. First the leaves are cut off the pineapple plant and scraped. The leaves are then washed, partly dried and beaten to separate out the fibres. The fibres are combed and knotted together ready for weaving. Around the world there is interest in using pina cloth to make fine clothing but it is very expensive because of the space and time it takes to grow enough leaves. It takes 10 pineapple plants about 2 years to grow enough leaves to make 2 m of material. This much pina could make about one piece of clothing. Consider this: How many pineapple plants would be needed to make all the clothes you have bought in the last 2 years if they were made of pina?

7 Lotus – a plant with many uses, including special material development

(Nelumbo nucifera)

The sacred lotus has many uses and has spiritual significance in Buddhism and other religions. The roots, stems and flowers can be eaten and fibres from the stems can be woven into cloth. The lotus plant however is also interesting because of its contribution to improving modern clothing. The lotus leaf does not get wet. Try splashing water from the pond onto the leaves and you will see it run off as droplets. Any dust and dirt on the leaf is washed off with these water droplets. This is known as the Lotus-Effect. The leaves are self-cleaning. Scientists have recently discovered how the surface of the lotus leaf makes water run off. They have used this knowledge to make easy care clothing. Scientists have been able to change cotton fibres to make them have a surface like the lotus leaf. This makes the cotton clothing stain resistant. The clothes feel the same as ones made from untreated cotton fibres but are much easier to keep clean as dirt is easily washed off. Consider this: What would you do with this new technology? What surfaces would you like to change to be self cleaning like the lotus leaf? Give a reason for your choice.

8 Australian Flax-lily makes string and baskets

Dianella sp.

Dianella grows throughout Australia. Because these plants are such a good source of fibre they were widely used by Aboriginal people. The fibre from these plants makes a strong string that can be used to make nets and baskets. To make the string the leaves were split and twisted together. The leaves were picked in late winter or early spring when they were still green. They were then dried. (Leaves left on the plants to dry were too easily broken.) The leaves are also used to make baskets. Sometimes the leaves are woven together or plaited; sometimes they are made into small bundles and stitched together as a coil. This plant, Dianella revolute, can have leaves about one metre long so gives long leaves for making baskets and long fibres to work with and twist together when making string and rope. Consider this:String and baskets made from these natural fibres are biodegradable. They will rot back into the environment to be recycled by nature. What happens to old nylon and plastic that has been used for making rope, nets or shopping bags?

9 Spear Lily

Doryanthes sp.

There are several different types of Spear Lily, Doryanthes. After you have visited this plant on the trail look around the garden and try to find some other spear lily plants. This spear lily comes from Queensland. The Aboriginal people living in that area made use of this plant as a source of good fibre. The leaves have a long and very strong fibre in them. This fibre was used to weave baskets and to make string and rope. Good quality, strong string and rope was essential in making some tools, making nets to catch fish and trap birds and was also used to tie around things to help carry them. Consider this:String and rope is very useful. Make a list of all the ways that you use string and rope. If plant fibre was not available to make string and rope what do you think the early aboriginal people would have used?

10. Paper mulberry tree bark can be made into material for clothing

(Broussonetia papyrifera)

Did you know you could use bark for clothing? Bark cloth has been widely used but never became important in world trade. Some of the plants used to make bark cloth are the paper mulberry, breadfruit tree and the fig tree. To make the cloth the trees are cut down when they were about 5-8 cm in diameter. That is a little thicker than your wrist. The trunks are put into running water for a few days and then the outer bark is taken off. The inner bark is split, spread out and beaten to the thinness wanted. Very fine material can be used for clothing. Extremely thin bark cloth could even be used as a mosquito net. Joseph Banks, the English botanist who sailed with Captain Cook (1768–1771) said it was like the finest cotton and was cool to wear. It is still used in places in the Pacific Islands. The paper mulberry tree was also used in China about 2000years ago to make paper. It is still used to make ‘rice paper’. In Thailand this paper is used to make umbrellas. Consider this:Worn out bark cloth can be washed, re-pulped and beaten to make cloth as good as new. What happens to your worn out clothing? Does it end up in the rubbish?

Student activities in the gardens 1 Banana

2 Papyrus

Sketch the leaf or general shape of the plant.

Sketch the leaf or general shape of the plant.

What part is used to collect the fibre? (circle one or more) stem, trunk, leaf, flower, root

What part is used to collect the fibre? (circle one or more) stem, trunk, leaf, flower, root

What is made from this plant fibre? (circle one or more) paper, material for clothing, string, rope Another interesting point

What is made from this plant fibre? (circle one or more) paper, material for clothing, string, rope Another interesting point

3 Mulberry

4 Perennial flax

Sketch the leaf or general shape of the plant.

Sketch the leaf or general shape of the plant.

An animal is important in making the fibre. Which animal is used?

What part is used to collect the fibre? (circle one or more) stem, trunk, leaf, flower, root

What part of the plant is important to this animal? (circle one or more) stem, trunk, leaf, flower, root

What is made from this plant fibre? (circle one or more) paper, material for clothing, string, rope Another interesting point

What is made from this animal’s fibre? (circle one or more) paper, material for clothing, string, rope Another interesting point

5 New Zealand flax

6 Pineapple

Sketch the leaf or general shape of the plant.

Sketch the leaf or general shape of the plant.

What part is used to collect the fibre? (circle one or more) stem, trunk, leaf, flower, root

What part is used to collect the fibre? (circle one or more) stem, trunk, leaf, flower, root

What is made from this plant fibre? (circle one or more) paper, material for clothing, string, rope Another interesting point

What is made from this plant fibre? (circle one or more) paper, material for clothing, string, rope Another interesting point

7 Lotus Sketch the leaf or general shape of the plant.

What part is used to collect the fibre? (circle one or more) stem, trunk, leaf, flower, root What is made from this plant fibre? (circle one or more) paper, material for clothing, string, rope Another interesting point

Picture from Trendy Science http://trendyscience.blogspot.com/search?q=l otus+effect

8 Australian flax lily

9 Spear lily

Sketch the leaf or general shape of the plant.

Sketch the leaf or general shape of the plant.

What part is used to collect the fibre? (circle one or more) stem, trunk, leaf, flower, root

What part is used to collect the fibre? (circle one or more) stem, trunk, leaf, flower, root

What is made from this plant fibre? (circle one or more) paper, material for clothing, string, rope Another interesting point

What is made from this plant fibre? (circle one or more) paper, material for clothing, string, rope Another interesting point

10 Paper mulberry Sketch the leaf.

What part is used to collect the fibre? (circle one or more) stem, trunk, leaf, flower, root What is made from this plant fibre? (circle one or more) paper, material for clothing, string, rope Another interesting point

Thinking Challenges Try a challenge after every third or fourth plant visited.

Challenge 1 What is the difference between natural fibres and synthetic fibres? Add to the table below by writing in some things that are special for natural fibres, that are the same for both natural and synthetic fibres and things that only apply to synthetic fibres. Some ideas have already been filled in, you need to add some more. Natural fibres only

Both natural and synthetic fibres Made into material for clothes.

Synthetic fibres only Mainly made from oil

Challenge 2 Fill out the table below to show what you think about how clothing has changed from the past and how clothing will change in the future. Remember that many synthetic fibres such as nylon are made from oil which is a non-renewable resource – it will eventually run out. Think about how the material is made. Is it hand-made or are machines used in production, spinning and/or weaving? What types of fibres are used? What is the quality and feel of the material? How long does it last? Changes in Clothing Before the 1930’s when synthetic fibres were not available.

From the 1930’s until today.

In the future.

Challenge 3 Many people are interested in using natural fibres instead of synthetic fibres because they think natural fibres are more environmentally friendly. Do you agree? • • •

Are there any environmental issues with growing natural fibres in Australia? What is it about synthetic fibres that have made them so popular for making clothes? Could we change to only using natural fibres?

To help work out some of the issues involved in using natural fibres complete the table below. Natural fibres Pros Cons Questions Plus / good points Minus / bad points I need to find out more to help make a decision.

Challenge 4 What do you think are some of the challenges in making natural fibres more competitive with synthetic fibres?