Niche Textile Fiber Plant Species with Novel and Sustainable Potential

Over 2000 plant species can provide textile fibers, but only a few have been widely used, since the textile industry relies to a large extent on species with low lignin content. Currently, reinforced bio-composites and nonwoven functional textiles demonstrate that even the coarser or non-spinnable plant fibers are valuable. Scientific advancements create opportunities for the unique fiber properties of lesser-known textile species. This work aims to emphasize the potential of niche textile fiber species and to provide synoptic documentation of species from 35 plant genera across 21 botanical families. The list is not exhaustive but representative of the diversity of the textile fiber species. The evidence collected spans from a basal angiosperm family (Nymphaeaceae) to twelve dicot families (Amaranthaceae, Apocynaceae, Cannabaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Malvaceae, Moraceae, Nelumbonaceae, Onagraceae, Rhamnaceae, Salicaceae, and Urticaceae) and eight monocot families (Arecaceae, Asparagaceae, Bromeliaceae, Cyperaceae, Iridaceae, Musaceae, Poaceae, and Typhaceae). The evidence is examined in three categories, considering the botanical organography criteria: bast and other stem fibers, leaf fibers, and fibers from generative organs such as fruit and seeds. Their main histologic features and differences are outlined. Ethnobotanical studies can identify and rediscover plant species for further research and new uses in current contexts.