These species furnish the chief supply of the fibre jute or gunny. The stems are cut and retted in water and the fibre is beaten out. Oils are used for softening the fibre. Burlap is a coarsely-woven textile made from jute fibre. Mineral oil used in the processing can produce folliculitis and oil-acne.
Fish oil used for softening jute fibre can liberate irritating fatty acids as it decomposes.
Kinner et al. Sparmannia Seven species are found in tropical and southern Africa and in Madagascar. The hairs of the leaf have an irritant effect on the skin. Tilia 50 species are found in north temperate regions, south to Indo China and Mexico. The upper surfaces of the leaves are usually covered with honey-dew.