CORCHORUS

genus of flowering plants of the linden family Tiliaceae (order Malvales). The bark of C. capsularis and to a lesser extent that of C. olitorius constitute the chief source of jute (q.v.), and these species are much cultivated in India and Bangladesh. The leaves and young shoots are eaten as a vegetable in Europe and as a potherb in West Africa. The seeds, however, are poisonous.