<p>With the rapid advancement of the material industry, the demand for high-performance natural fibers is on the rise. This study aimed to characterize <i>Abroma augustum</i> bark fibers (AAF) as a promising reinforcement material. In addition to conducting botanical analysis through chloroplast genome sequencing, this research represents the first comprehensive assessment of the physical, chemical, mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of AAF. The results showed that AAF possessed a high cellulose content (48.1 wt%) and crystallinity (72%), contributing to its excellent mechanical properties. Thermal analysis revealed its stability up to 362.76°C, while Fourier transform infrared analysis provided insights into its chemical structure. Morphologically, AAF exhibited a rough surface morphology and a low density of 1.45 g/cm³, contributing to enhanced bonding and lightweight properties, respectively. The microfibril angle of AAF was 10.9°. The tensile strength of AAF was up to 184–701 MPa, and Young’s modulus was 5.4–32.2 GPa respectively. This comprehensive investigation underscores the vast application potential of AAF as a fibrous reinforcement material, linking its exceptional physicochemical properties to the genetic and biochemical underpinnings revealed by the chloroplast genome sequencing. Future research leveraging these insights can guide the development of tailored AAF fibers for diverse industrial applications, advancing the field of botanical fiber reinforcement materials.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>