What is Apocynum (Luobu Ma)?
Apocynum gets its name from its once-widespread growth around Lop Nur in Xinjiang, China. It is extensively distributed along the floodplains of the Tarim River and its tributaries, with the most concentrated growth in Yuli County in the middle reaches of the Tarim River. Its leaves can be brewed into tea, which helps clear deposits from blood vessel walls, soften blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and reduce fat. The stem bark, on the other hand, is an excellent fiber raw material and an ideal new natural textile resource. Among all wild fiber plants discovered, Apocynum fiber ranks the highest in quality—thin, long, and soft—earning it the reputation of the “King of Wild Fibers.” Garments made from finely processed Apocynum fiber are breathable, highly absorbent, soft, antibacterial, and warm in winter yet cool in summer.
Applications of Apocynum
Apocynum is a newly utilized bast fiber in China. With finer fibers than ramie, a single fiber strength five to six times that of cotton, and an elongation rate of only 3%, it is softer than other bast fibers and has a higher cellulose content, making it a superior textile material. Apocynum fiber can be blended with cotton, wool, or silk to produce various fabrics: blended wool fabrics include gabardine, serge, and valetin; blended cotton fabrics include serge, gabardine, and lawn; and blended silk fabrics include luo silk (a delicate silk blend). Apocynum fabrics are more wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, highly absorbent, and less prone to shrinkage than ordinary textiles, making them a promising variety in the bast fiber industry.
Advantages of Apocynum
- Antibacterial Properties: Apocynum has inherent antibacterial properties without the need for special post-processing. This is primarily due to its acetone content, which strongly inhibits various bacteria. Additionally, the internal pores of Apocynum fiber suppress anaerobic bacteria, making it suitable for socks, underwear, and other intimate apparel.
- UV Resistance: The complex cross-sectional structure of Apocynum fiber provides exceptional UV protection, blocking most ultraviolet rays. This makes it ideal for summer anti-UV clothing.
- Anti-Static Properties: Apocynum has a high moisture regain rate of approximately 13%. Fabrics made from it are not only breathable and absorbent but also naturally anti-static. In contrast, fibers with low moisture regain often require chemical anti-static agents, which can compromise hand feel. Apocynum garments offer a cool, comfortable wearing experience, perfect for summer apparel.
Post time: Feb-06-2026