Ramie (pronounced RAY-me) is a fiber crop principally used for fabric production. It is one of the oldest fiber crops, having been used for at least six thousand years.
Ramie is derived from the ramie plant, also called Chinese grass or rhea, Boehmeria nivea var. tenacissima. The genus Boehmeria comprises the false nettles , and is in the nettle family. The plant is perennial, and can sustain up to six harvests per year. It is native to east Asia.
Ramie is not only used as a fiber crop, but also as an ornamental in eastern Asia. It has heart-shaped leaves that are silvery on the underside, due to many small hairs.
Ramie is a bast fiber, and the part used is the bark (phloem) of the vegetative stalks. Unlike other bast crops, ramie requires chemical processing to de-gum the fiber.
Ramie fiber is known especially for its ability to hold shape, reduce wrinkling, and introduce a luster to the fabric look. In some other ways, it is not as durable as other fibers, and so is usually used as a blend with other fibers such as cotton or wool.
Today, ramie is principally produced in China, Brazil, Philippines, India, South Korea and Thailand.
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