Perennial herb reaching 1-2 m heigth. Its growth is rapid. The plant prefers non acid and well drained soils and sunny areas. It is in flowers from June to October.
The seeds have medicinal properties, they are diuretic, emollient and antispasmodic.
An edible oil is extracted from the seeds and leaves.
The fibers obtained from the bark of the stems are used to make ropes.
A mucilage is extracted from the roots which is used as formation aid in paper making. This viscous material is added to the pulp to increase its viscosity and thus delay the settling of fibers in the tank. In addition, the mucilage allows a better dispersion of the long fibers.
