Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources

Vol. 4(4), December 2013, pp. 339-347

Fibre-yielding plant resources of Odisha and traditional fibre preparation

knowledge − An overview
S C Sahu1*, S K Pattnaik2, S S Dash3 and N K Dhal2
1
Centre for Sustainable Technology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
2
Environment and Sustainability Department, CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
3
Botanical Survey of India (HQ), CGO Complex, Salt Lake, Kolkata-64, West Bengal, India

Received 6 November 2012; Accepted 26 February 2013

The paper enumerates a brief overview of 26 different uses of 146 plant species belonging to 98 genera and 40 families
in the state Odisha. A few case studies were carried out on some promising species to explore the traditional methods of
fibre extraction and their various uses. The data mainly based on field surveys and ethnobotanical information collection
through open ended/structured/Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods. This account not only provides valuable
information on the untapped wealth of fibre genetic resources in Odisha but also creates an ample scope for cultivation and
commercialization of few promising species.

Keywords: Fibre plants, Ethnobotany, Traditional fibre, Utilization, Odisha.

IPC code; Int. cl. (2011.01)−A61K 36/00

Introduction use of plant fibers in commercial sector is relatively

The importance of fiber yielding plants has been
considered next to food plants in their usefulness in
human’s society. The use of the plant fibres preferred
from time immemorial due to its easy availability,
durability and flexibility. The use of cotton fibre and
silk is known to occur since 5000 BC. Many fiber
yielding plants, including Boehmeria nivea Gaud.
(Ramie ), Crotolaria juncea L. (Sunhemp), Corchorus
capsularis L. (Jute), Gossypium arboreum L.
(Cotton), Hibiscus cannabinus L. (Kenaf), Linum
usitatissimum L. (Flax) are the best known
commercial plants which provide durable and flexible
fiber. The utility of plant fibres is manifested in a
diverse range of products which includes making
ropes, paper and various household materials. The
fibre production also contributes significantly to the
economy of a region in various ways, including
agricultural, clothing, small scale industry and
products for other household operations. It has been
estimated that over a thousand species of plants are
yielding fibers in America alone, over 800 in
Philippines and about 790 species in India1. However,
_________
*Correspondent author:
E-mail: sudam_rrl@yahoo.co.in
Phone: +91-7795569392 (Mob.)
few. Majority of traditionally used fibre yielding
plants are remaining underutilized because these uses
are either need based or site specific1-9. Information
on various fibre yielding plants is needed for
maximum utilization and this would help in
improving the socio-economic status by supporting
livelihood and income generation opportunity. In the
present paper an attempt was made to document the
wild fibre-yielding plants of Odisha and different
traditional methods of fibre extraction in an intension
to create awareness and exploring the possible
commercial applications of the natural fibre yielding
plants from the state.
The study area
Odisha located between 17° 49′ and 22° 34′ N
latitude 81° 27′ and 87° 29′ E longitudes is a part of
the Eastern Ghats of India and recognized as one of
the important biodiversity regions. The state is
bounded by the Bay of Bengal on the east, Indian
state of Chhattisgarh on the west, Andhra Pradesh on
the south and West Bengal and Jharkhand on the
North. The state encompasses about 4.87% of the
total area of the country and harbors about 2727
plants species10. The state is inhabited by 61 major
340 INDIAN J NAT PROD RESOUR, DECEMBER 2013
ethnic groups including its aboriginals Kandha, Kutia
kandha, Sabar, Parja, Santhal, Bhumija, Bhuyan,
Mahalis, Sounti and others. Many of these
communities depend upon the forest products for their
daily needs. As a whole, many wild species of the
state constitute a key component of village culture
and traditional use pattern. It is interesting to note
that, rural people knowledge in utilizing the plant
resources is unique and differs from one tribe to other.
The climate of the region is monsoonic.
Methodology
Both qualitative as well as the quantitative
information regarding the traditional use of fibre
yielding plants were collected from Mayurbhanj,
Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Deogarh, Koraput, Rayagada
districts of Odisha through participatory rural
appraisal (PRA) method, open ended and structured
interviews during the routine exploration works in
2009-2010. During the interviews free listing of
information were made about a particular use or
specific plants species used for fibre. During the PRA
study, different groups of people (especially tribal and
rural communities) was interviewed independently
and each group was asked some questions regarding
the uses of plants and technical methods of
preparation for final handicraft products. Use of four
plants viz. Eulaliopsis binata (Retz.) C. E. Hubbard,
Agave sisalana Perr., Bauhinia vahlii Wight & Arn.
and Pandanus fascicularis Lam. have been grouped
for a case study. The detailed method of preparations
of fibre and their final products are discussed
elaborately and documented. All the plant specimens
were collected, processed, identified10-12 and
deposited in the herbarium of CSIR-Institute of
Minerals & Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar
(RRL-B). The plant species yielding fibre are
enumerated alphabetically with their correct botanical
names followed by its family name, available local
name (mostly in Odiya), parts used, mode of use
(Table1).
Results and Discussion
Fibre yielding plants
The gathered information on fibre yielding plants in
Odisha revealed 26 different uses of 146 plant species
belonging to 98 genera and 40 families (Table 1). Out
of the total species reported, trees are represented by
37%, followed by shrubs (27.4%) and herbs (26%)
while climbers constitute the lowest habitat category
(9.6%). Out of the total species (146 plants)
described, 131 plants belong to dicots under
35 families and 15 plants belong to monocot under
5 families. Among dicotyledons, the family
Malvaceae is dominant with 25 species followed by
Fabaceae (19 species), Tiliaceae (10 species),
Sterculiaceae (8 species), Caesalpiniaceae, Poaceae
and Asclepiadaceae (7 species each) and Urticaceae
(4 species). The ten dominant families constitute
64.38% of the total species collected for fibre use.
Plant parts used
Plant parts used for preparation of fibre are bark,
leaf, stems and young shoots. It is interesting to note
that there were 26 types of preparations which were
used in combinations of different parts. Uses of barks
as fibre are used most frequently, due to presence of
long soft tissues. Bark of 47% of total species is used
as fibre, while stem is used in 33%, leaves are used in
11% while seed, root and fruit are used in 9% of total
species.
Utilization prospects: Case study
A large number of plant species found in the state
have important role in the day-to-day life of the local
people. However, it is a matter of concern that the
indigenous knowledge of extraction, processing and
practice of using of natural fibres has diminished to a
great extent due to easy availability of cheap synthetic
fibres. Majority of the rural people are still utilizing
the plant resources for preparation of ropes, baskets,
handicrafts items and household goods.
Four very important potential fibre yielding plants,
studied individually as a case study are discussed
below:
1. Eulaliopsis binata (Retz.) C. E. Hubbard (Family-
Poaceae), Loc. name- Sabai, Bubai; Part used for
fibre extraction- Leaf
Tufted grass, 30-90 cm; culms branched, up to 1 m
high; base of culms wooly. Leaves linear, narrow,
convolute, upto 90 cm long; sheath glabrous; ligule a
ring of hairs. Racemes 1-4, 1.5-5 cm long, golden or
rusty-villous on filiform peduncles. Spikelets 2-nate, a
sessile and a pedicelled, 6 mm long. Spikelets
lanceolate, 3.5-4.5 mm long (excl. the awns); glume
lanceolate, 2-toothed, 2-3 mm long, ciliate; lemma
2-3 mm long, hyaline, with narrow ciliate palea.
Flowering & Fruiting: February – October.
Distribution: Widely distributed in Northern India
up to 2500 m, Punjab, Rajasthan, Central India,
China, Thailand, Philippines.
 SAHU et al: FIBRE-YIELDING PLANTS-AN OVERVIEW 341

Table 1—Inventory of fibre-yielding plants in the state Odisha

S. No. Botanical names, Family & Loc. names (Odiya) Habit Parts used Mode of use

1 Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (Malvaceae), Bhindi Herb Stalk Fibre

2 Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic. (Malvaceae), Jangli Herb Stem Cotton fibre, Jute
Bhindi
3 Abelmoschus moschatus Medic. (Malvaceae), Bano Bhindi Herb Bark Fiber
4 Abrus precatorius L. (Fabaceae), Runjo Climber Stem Temporary binding
5 Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet. (Malvaceae), Pedi-pedica Undershr Stem Cordage and also mixed with jute
ub
6 Abutilon persicum (Burm.f.) Merr. (Malvaceae), Murga Herb Stem Yield fibre resembling hemp, fit
for ropes
7 Acacia leucophloea (Roxb.) Willd. (Mimosaceae), Gohira Tree Bark For fibre, cordage and fishing-nets
8 Adansonia digitata L. (Bombacaceae), Chhatia Tree Bark Fibre, Rope
9 Aeschynomene aspera L. (Fabaceae), Sola Herb Bark Fibre
10 Agave americana L. (Agavaceae), Murba Shrub Leaf Rope, Mat, Net
11 Agave sisalana Perrine ex Engelm. (Agavaceae), Sisul Shrub Leaf Rope. Mat, Fishing-net
12 Agave vera-cruz Mill. (Agavaceae), Murba Herb Leaf Fibre, Rope, Mat
13 Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. (Apocynaceae), Chhatian Tree Bark Fiber
14 Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. (Bromeliaceae), Sapuri Herb Leaf Leaves yield a fiber
15 Anodendron paniculatum A. DC. (Apocynaceae), Sangu Climber Stem Cordage, bowstrings
16 Bauhinia purpurea L. (Caesalpiniaceae), Barada Tree Bark Cordage
17 Bauhinia racemosa Lam. (Caesalpiniaceae), Ambalota Tree Bast Cordage
18 Bauhinia tomentosa L. (Caesalpiniaceae), Kanchan Shrub Bark Fiber
19 Bauhinia vahlii Wight & Arn. (Caesalpiniaceae), Siali Climber Shoot, Rope, thread
Bark
20 Bauhinia variegata L. (Caesalpiniaceae), Kanchano Tree Bark Fiber
21 Boehmeria macrophylla Hornem. (Urticaceae), Kankura Shrub Bark Cordage and
fishing-nets
22 Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaud. (Urticaceae), Kankura Shrub Bark Fiber, Wool, Silk
23 Bombax ceiba L. (Bombacaceae), Simili Tree Fruit Mattresses, Pillow
24 Borassus flabellifer L. (Arecaceae), Tala Tree Leaf Cordage, brush
25 Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. (Fabaceae), Palash Tree Shoot Rope
26 Butea parviflora Roxb. (Fabaceae), Palash Tree Bark Rope
27 Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth. (Fabaceae), Arhar Shrub Stem Cordage
28 Calotropis gigantea R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae), Akaona Shrub Bark Bow strings, twine, fishing-nets
29 Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. (Asclepiadaceae), Arakh Shrub Stem Fishing nets, twine
30 Canna indica L. (Cannaceae), Sarbaja Herb Root Cordage
31 Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabinaceae), Ganja Herb Bark Cordage, rope, twine
32 Canthium parviflorum Lam. (Rubiaceae), Tuthudi Shrub Stem Fibre
33 Careya arborea Roxb. (Barringtoniaceae), Kumbhi Tree Shoot, Cordage, Rope
Bark
34 Caryota urens L. (Arecaceae), Salapo Tree Stem Brushes, Brooms
35 Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. (Bombacaceae), Samali Tree Stem Thermally insulated and sound
proof covers and walls
36 Celosia argentea L. (Amaranthaceae), Lobanga Herb Stem Rope
37 Cissampelos pareira L. (Menispermaceae), Akanbindi Climber Stem Strong fibre
38 Cissus adnata Roxb. (Vitaceae), Takwall Climber Stem Rope
39 Cissus quadrangula L. (Vitaceae), Hadasare Shrub Stem, Fibre
Root
40 Clinogyne dichotoma Salisb. (Marantaceae), Khorsong Shrub Stem Fibre, Hats
41 Corchorus aestuans L. (Tiliaceae), Buda nalita Herb Stem Rope
42 Corchorus capsularis L. (Tiliaceae), Jhutto Herb Stem, Gunny bags, rope, carpets
Bark
43 Corchorus olitorius L. (Tiliaceae), Jhutto Herb Stem, Source of jute
Bark
44 Cordia obliqua Willd. (Ehretiaceae), Ambota Tree Bark Cords, Ropes
45 Crotalaria juncea L. (Fabaceae), Chanapata Shrub Bark Jute fibre
46 Crotalaria retusa L. (Fabaceae), Jhumjhum Shrub Stem Cordage, canvas
Contd—
342 INDIAN J NAT PROD RESOUR, DECEMBER 2013

Table 1—Inventory of fibre-yielding plants in the state Odisha - Contd

S. No. Botanical names, Family & Loc. names (Odiya) Habit Parts used Mode of use

47 Cryptolepis buchananii Roem. & Schult. (Periplocaceae), Shrub Stem Fibre used by tribals for cordage
Dudhi and cloth.
48 Curculigo capitulata (Lour.) Kuntze (Hypoxidaceae), Herb Leaf Tribal used its for making fibre
Kalinda and hair
49 Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees (Poaceae), Saliabanso Bamboo Stem Mats, fishing appliances
50 Desmostachya bipinnata (L.) Stapf (Poaceae), Kusa Shrub Leaf Used for ropes and Thatching
51 Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. (Dilleniaceae), Kirmilla Tree Bark Cordage
52 Dolichandrone falcata (Wall. ex DC.) Seem. Tree Bark Fibre
(Bignoniaceae), Karal
53 Dolichandrone spathacea (L. f.) K. Schum. (Bignoniaceae), Tree Bark Fibre, fishing-net
Garsingh
54 Dregea volubilis (L. f.) Benth. ex Hook. f. (Asclepiadaceae), Tree Bark Fibre
Dughdhik
55 Entada rheedii Spreng. (Mimosaceae), Genedi Tree Bark Cordage, fishing-nets
56 Erythrina suberosa Roxb. (Fabaceae), Paldua Tree Bark Cordage
57 Erythrina variegata L. (Fabaceae), Chavuldhua Tree Bark Cordage
58 Erythropsis colorata Burkill. (Sterculiaceae), Kodalo Tree Bark Rope
59 Eulaliopsis binata (Retz.) Hubbard. (Poaceae), Sabai Herb Leaf Brooms, Rope, Thread, Mat
60 Ficus benghalensis L. (Moraceae), Baro Tree Bark, Rope
Aerial
roots
61 Ficus cunia Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb. (Moraceae), Baro Tree Root Rope
62 Ficus hispida L.f. (Moraceae), Dimiri Tree Bark Fibre
63 Ficus religiosa L. (Moraceae), Pipal Tree Bark Fibre, Paper
64 Ficus rumphii Bl. (Moraceae), Jhida Tree Bark Cordage
65 Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. ex J.E. Sm. (Moraceae), Tree Bark Cords, ropes, twines
Dumri
66 Furcraea foetida (L.) Haw. (Agavaceae), Murbha Shrub Leaf Fibre
67 Girardinia heterophylla Decne. (Urticaceae), Biru Herb Bark Ropes, twines, rough clothes
68 Glycine max (L.) Merr. (Fabaceae), Soya Herb Fruit Bends with rayaon or cotton
69 Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvaceae), Tula Under Fruit Thread, Cloth
Shrub
70 Grewia elastica Royle. (Tiliaceae), Tulia Tree Bark Fibre, Rope
71 Grewia rothii DC. (Tiliaceae), Phulari Shrub Bark Fibre
72 Grewia sapida Roxb. (Tiliaceae), Burso Under Bark Rope
Shrub
73 Grewia subinaequalis DC. (Tiliaceae), Pharasako-li Tree Bark Fibre
74 Grewia tillifolia Vahl. (Tiliaceae), Dhamuro Tree Bark Cordage
75 Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. (Sterculiaceae), Debodaru Tree Stem Rope
76 Holoptelea integrifolia (Roxb.) Planch. (Ulmaceae), Charla Tree Bark Paper pulp
77 Helicteres isora L. (Sterculiaceae), Murmuria Tree Stem, Rope
Bark
78 Hibiscus lunariifolius Willd. (Malvaceae), Kudura Shrub Bark Cordage, rope, twine, fishing-nets
79 Hibiscus cannabinus L. (Malvaceae), Piri-Pirika Herb Bark Jute like fibre, paper
80 Hibiscus furcatus Roxb. ex DC. (Malvaceae), Piri-Pirika Herb Stem Cordage, rope
81 Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae), Khata sago Herb Stem Jute in making pulp
82 Hibiscus syriacus L. (Malvaceae), Gurhul Shrub Stem Fibre
83 Hibiscus tiliaceus L. (Malvaceae), Bania Shrub Bark Cordage, rope, mat, coarse bags
84 Holostemma annulare (Roxb.) Schum. (Asclepiadaceae), Climber Bark Cordage and paper making
Moran ark
85 Ichnocarpus frutescens (L.) R.Br. (Apocynaceae), Madhabi Climber Bark Rope
86 Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch. (Poaceae), Chhana ghas Grass Leaf Cord, rope
87 Jatropha glandulifera Roxb. (Euphorbiaceae), Gaba Shrub Seed Plastic , Fibre
88 Kleinhovia hospita L. (Sterculiaceae), Bala Tree Bark Fibre, Rope
89 Kydia calycina Roxb. (Malvaceae), Kapasia Tree Bark Spining jute for making rope,
Carpet
Contd—
 SAHU et al: FIBRE-YIELDING PLANTS-AN OVERVIEW 343

Table 1—Inventory of fibre-yielding plants in the state Odisha - Contd

S. No. Botanical names, Family & Loc. names (Odiya) Habit Parts used Mode of use

90 Lagerstroemia parvifolia Roxb. (Lythraceae), Chhena Shrub Bark Fibre

91 Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. (Lythraceae), Patoli Tree Bark Fibre
92 Malachra capitata (L.) L. (Malvaceae), Gaina Herb Bast Fibre, Gunny bags

93 Malvastrum coromandelianum (L.) Garcke (Malvaceae), Herb Stem Broom

Phuluria
94 Maoutia puya (Hook.) Wedd. (Urticaceae), Maradi Shrub Bark Fibre
95 Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon (Asclepiadaceae), Twiner Bark Cordage, fishing-nets
Adhiri
96 Melochia corchorifolia L. (Sterculiaceae), Telpuri Shrub Bark Fishing-lines
97 Miliusa velutina (Dunal) Hook.f. & Thoms. (Annonaceae), Tree Stem Fibre
Gandha palasa
98 Millettia extensa (Benth.) Baker (Fabaceae), Gurendi Climber Bark Rope, Cordage
99 Mitragyna parviflolia (Roxb.) Korth. (Rubiaceae), Kali Tree Bark Codage
Kadamba
100 Morus australis Poir. (Moraceae), Tutkuli Tree Bark Paper making,
Textile fibre.
101 Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. (Fabaceae), Kaicha Shrub Stem Rope
102 Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack. (Rutaceae), Harkankali Shrub Bark Fibre
103 Musa paradisiaca L. (Musaceae), Bankadali Shrub Leaf Fibre used for cordage mats and
Sheath for making paper
104 Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nymphaeaceae), Padma Herb Leaf Fibre
105 Opuntia dillenii Wight & Arn. (Cactaceae), Nagapheni Shrub Stem Fibre, Paper pulp
106 Opuntia elatior Mill. (Cactaceae), Nagapheni Shrub Stem Fibre
107 Oreocnide integrifolia (Gaud.) Miq. (Urticaceae), Brahma Tree Bark Rope, cordage,
kamoda fishing-nets, cloths
108 Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urb. (Fabaceae), Chini alu Climber Stem, Fishing-nets
Bark
109 Pandanus fascicularis Lam. (Pandanaceae), Kia Herb Root Rope
110 Parkinsonia aculeata L. (Caesalpiniaceae), Kikar Tree Bark Fibre suitable for mixing with
paper-pulps
111 Pavonia zeylanica (L.) Cav. (Malvaceae), Sikuar Herb Stem Fibre resembling to Hibiscus
112 Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov. (Asclepidaceae), Utrali Shrub Stem, Rope
Bark
113 Phoenix robusta (Becc.) Hook.f. (Arecaceae), Khajri Shrub Leaf Mats, baskets, handbags
114 Phoenix sylvestris (L.) Roxb. (Arecaceae), Khajuri Tree Leaf Rope, Mat, Broom
115 Polyalthia simiarum (Buch-Ham. ex Hook .f. & Thoms.) Tree Bark Fibre, Rope
Benth. (Annonaceae), Karadia
116 Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre. (Fabaceae), Karanja Tree Bark Fibre, Cordage
117 Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.)DC. (Fabaceae), Mardamal Climber Stem Rope
118 Saccharum spontaneum L. (Poaceae), Payal Grass Leaf Cords, Ropes
119 Sesbania cannabina (Retz.) Pers. (Fabaceae), Dhanicha Herb Stem Fishing- nets, Rope
120 Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Poir. (Fabaceae), Agasthi Tree Bark Cords
121 Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr. (Fabaceae), Jayanti Shrub Stem, Rope, Cordage
Bark
122 Sesbania speciosa Taub.ex Engl. (Fabaceae), Agasti Shrub Stem Fibre for ropes
123 Sida acuta Burm. f. (Malvaceae), Bajra muli Shrub Stem, Jute fiber
Leaf
124 Sida cordata (Burm.f.) Borssum. (Malvaceae), Bajramuli Herb Shoot, Rope
Bark
125 Sida cordifolia L. (Malvaceae), Bajramuli Herb Stem Fiber, Jute
126 Sida mysorensis Wight & Arn. (Malvaceae), Sahabada Herb Stem Fibre used for rope
127 Sida rhombifolia L. (Malvaceae), Bajramuli Herb Stem Fiber
128 Sansevieria roxburghiana Schult. & Schult.f. (Agavaceae), Herb Leaf Cordage, Cloth, Mat
Murga
129 Soymida febrifuga (Roxb.) A. Juss. (Meliaceae), Sawan Tree Bark Fibre, Rope
Contd—
344 INDIAN J NAT PROD RESOUR, DECEMBER 2013

Table 1—Inventory of fibre-yielding plants in the state Odisha - Contd

S. No. Botanical names, Family & Loc. names (Odiya) Habit Parts used Mode of use

130 Sterculia urens Roxb. (Sterculiaceae), Genduli Tree Bark Cordage

131 Sterculia villosa Roxb.ex DC. (Sterculiaceae), Kodalo Tree Shoot, Rope
Bark
132 Streblus asper Lour. (Moraceae), Sahada Shrub Bark Fibre, Paper
133 Tamarindus indica L. (Caesalpiniaceae), Kaiyan Tree Stem Fibre
134 Themeda arundinacea (Roxb.) Ridley (Poaceae), Sakara Tree Leaf Rope, Cordage
ghasa
135 Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol.ex Correa. (Malvaceae), Habali Tree Bark Fibre used for cordage, Bags, Boat
136 Trema orientalis (L.) Bl. (Ulmaceae), Kharkas Tree Bark Fibre, Ropes, Cloth
137 Trema politoria Planch. (Ulmaceae), Kharkas Tree Bark Fibre for ropes
138 Triumfetta pentandra A. Rich. (Tiliaceae), Bachhu Herb Stem Fibre, Jute
139 Triumfetta pilosa Roth. (Tiliaceae), Bichhua Shrub Stem Silk Fibre
140 Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq. (Sterculiaceae), Bidua Shrub Stem Fibre, Jute
141 Tylophora indica (Burm. f.) Merr. (Asclepiadaceae), Miluni Climber Stem Extra fine fibrics
142 Urena lobata L. (Malvaceae), Rakta pheni Under Stem Fibre, Jute, Rope, Carpet
shrub
143 Urena repanda Roxb. ex J. E. Sm. (Malvaceae), Sikhini Herb Stem Fibre as U. lobata
144 Urena sinulata L. (Malvaceae), Kapasi Herb Stem Fiber, rope
145 Ventilago denticulata Willd. (Rhamnaceae), Pitchuli Climber Stem Cordage fibre
146 Zea mays L. (Poaceae), Maka Grass Stem Fibre

Traditional cultivation and extraction method: In the
traditional method of cultivation of Sabai Ghass,
fields are prepared before rainy season, by ploughing
and harrowing. Seedlings of the species are planted
during rainy seasons (July) with a distance of 45 cm
each between the plants. Regular weeding is
necessary for a healthy growth of the grass. The
common weeds associated in Sabai grass field are
Heteropogon contortus (L.) P. Beauv., Pennisetum
purpereum Schum., Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.,
Ageratum conyzoides L., Sida cordata (Burm.f.)
Borssum., Urena lobata L., Hyptis suaveolens (L.)
Poit., Cyperus rotundus L., Tephrosia purpurea (L.)
Pers. etc. The grass is ready for harvest in six months
which usually done twice a year. This mother plants
continue to yield up to 10-15 years while new
seedlings out the mother plants may be replanted. The
height of the plants ranges between 1.5-2 m. Harvest
usually done leaving the basal portion of the plant,
which grows to the normal height within next 5
months (Plate 1 a-n).
After harvesting the culms are sundried for
2-3 days to retain its natural greenish yellow colour
and then stored in bundles for rope preparation. Night
dew or frost is detrimental for the natural colour of
the grass. The culms are processed on hand by
applying a little water to smoothen. Every member of
a tribal family is engaged in making ropes. The ropes
are further tightened with the help of a traditional
machine called as Gharadi (Plate-1.f). Sabai ropes are
mostly sold outside the state for use in weaving
Charpai (Cots). Being natural product the ropes are
widely preferred over synthetic threads for binding
and supplying of bamboos to paper mills.
Uses: It is also used in making Sofa sets, chairs (Plate-
1. l, m), Tea poy, Flower vase (Plate-1.n), Bags, Door
mats (Plate-1.k), Table mats, Screens, “Khatia”
(Plate-1.j), etc. The frame of craft products are made
up of bamboo and the sabai ropes is woven and
coiling over the frames to give a finishing shape. The
civil jail of Baripada, Orissa is the pioneering institute
in introducing such craft products. This is the major
source of income for many tribal families of the state.
The selling of sabai ropes and its craft products
touches the peak during March to June of every year.
Plant is also used as fodder and to check soil erosion.
2. Agave sisalana Perrine ex Engelm., (Family-
Agavaceae), Loc. name- Sisul, Part used for fibre
extraction- Leaf
Robust acaulescent shrub. Leaves closely tufted on
the rhizome. Leaves up to 1.8 cm long and 25 cm
wide, 1-2.5 m long, 10-30 cm wide, thick, flat,
margins with upwardly directed spines. Scape with
panicle 4.5 cm or more fascicles of flowers rather
crowded. Base of perianth convex and somewhat
dilated. Capsules ovoid.
Flowering & Fruiting: January – March.
Distribution: Widely cultivated or planted as a crop in
India, Neotropic.
 SAHU et al: FIBRE-YIELDING PLANTS-AN OVERVIEW 345

Plate 1 (a-n) − The process of harvesting, rope preparation and fabrication of handiwork using Eulaliopsis binata; a. Farmer cutting the
plant material; b. Cleaning the waste material; c: Making bundles; d. A group of bundles; e. Rope making; f. Gharadi; g. Tightening of
rope; h. Bundling of ropes; i. Instruments used; j. Weaving of Khatia; k. Door mat; l. Table; m. Chair; n. Flower vass.
346 INDIAN J NAT PROD RESOUR, DECEMBER 2013
Plate 2 − The Process of preparation and handiwork using. Bauhinia vahlii; a. Rope making; b. Bundle of ropes
Extraction method: Leaves are harvested from the plant
when it is 2-3 years old. Harvesting of leaf can be
continued for a period of 4-6 years. After that, fresh
leaves can be harvested for a period of another 4-6
years. After harvesting, the spines of leaves are
removed and leaves are tied into bundles. Fibres are
extracted from the plants by a process known as
decortication. In this process, leaves are crushed and
beaten by a rotating wheel set with blunt knives, so
that only the fibres remain at the end. Then retting is
done in water for several days (6-15 days) and finally
fibres are removed either by hand or with the help of a
raspador. The fibre is then dried, brushed and baled
for export. Quality of the fibre depends upon moisture
content. Therefore, proper drying is important.
Artificial drying has been found to result in generally
better grades of fibre than sun drying, but is not
feasible for all. Then fibres are processed by machine
and bundled separately depending upon their grades.
Uses: The fibre is used for making rope, bag, carpet,
etc. Plant is grown as ornamental plant.
3. Bauhinia vahlii Wight & Arn. (Family-
Caesalpiniaceae), Loc. name- Siali, Sialpatra, Sehar,
Part used for fibre extraction- Stem bark.
Linas, branches densely pubescent, rusty-tomentose
tendrils. Leaves 8-25 cm long, tomentose beneath,
11-13 nerved. Flowers white or cream, in tomentose
panicled corymbs, pedicels 3-4 cm long. Calyx
densely tomentose, cylindrical; limb splitting into
2-lobes. Petals 2-4 cm long, ovate. Pods woody,
brown, oblong, flat 15-30 cm long. Seeds 6-12 cm,
oblong-ellipsoid, compressed, polished.
Flowering & Fruiting: April – February.
Distribution: Outer Himalaya from Chenab to Assam,
Bihar, Peninsular India.
Extraction method: Fresh stems are cut and barks are
separated from the stem manually by hand, which is
very long and itself used as rope (Plate-2 a-b). The
bark fibres may be dried in sun light or shade. Then it
is made into bundles and stored in a dry place.
Uses: Fibre is used for making ropes, threads etc.
Leaves used as a fodder for cattle and making leaf
plates. Seeds edible and bark used for dyeing and
tanning.
4. Pandanus fascicularis Lam. (Family:
Pandanaceae), Loc. name: Kia, Keya, Part used for
fibre extraction- Leaf and stilt root.
Bushy shrub or small tree; stem up to 3-6 m high,
supported by aerial and stilt root. Leaves spirally
3-fariously imbricate, ensiform, 90-150 × 2.5-5 cm,
caudate, acuminate at apex, drooping, margins with
up curved spines, glossy green. Flowers pale-yellow,
in axillary clusters, sweet scented; spathe yellow,
fragrant. Male flowers of numerous anthers,
umbellate on the connate filaments. Carpels connate
in groups, with sessile, lobulate stigma. Fruit
strobiliform.
Flowering & fruiting: December – July.
Distribution: Throughout the coasts of India, Myanmar,
Java, Malaysia, China, Polynesia.
Extraction method: The leaves are harvested from the
Pandanus tree. The thin outer layer of the leaf is
pealed off to remove the spines and sundried. After
drying, the leaves are stripped into fine strands. The
strands can be dyed allowing a mixture of colours to
 SAHU et al: FIBRE-YIELDING PLANTS-AN OVERVIEW
be woven together. After drying the fibre is ready to
use. Stilt roots are cut off from the aerial portions of
the stem. Then it is teared into small pieces of fibres
and exposed to sun light for proper drying. Fibres are
collected, made into bundles and used directly for
binding purposes.
Uses: Cordage, basket, mat, etc. Flowers are used in
perfume industry. Roots are used against snake bite.
Juice of the inflorescence is used in arthritis.
Conclusions
The state Odisha is endowed with untapped wealth
of fibre genetic resources. More detailed scientific
investigations need to be made in order to assess the
real potential and availability of natural fibre-yielding
resources. Large scale cultivation of some selected
species, viz. Eulaliopsis binata, Gossypium hirsutum,
Agave sislana, Pandanus fascicularis, etc. on
commercial scale need to be carried out for upliftment
of the rural and tribal people. It is hoped that this
paper will contribute in building knowledge of wild
fibre plants and pave the way for commercial
applications of natural fibres from this region. It has
been observed that the traditional knowledge of rope-
making is now confined only among the surviving old
people and few practitioners in the tribal communities
of this state. Therefore, care should be taken to
preserve this precious knowledge of natural resources
utilization prior to extinction.
Natural fibres replace synthetic fibre due to its
comfort, biodegradable and eco-friendly in nature.
Commercialization of natural fibres should be focused
in the state with the raw material collected from the
wild and processed for getting fibre for small scale
industry which can generate rural employment and
source of income for local farmers and tribal people.
Moreover, dependency on a handful numbers of
species for fibres can be reduced by identifying and
adopting large numbers of allied species. As a whole,
systematic approaches with scientific attitude would
help in conserving the economically important plant
347
resources, in addition to the rich indigenous
knowledge base available in Odisha.
Acknowledgement
Authors are indebted to the tribal fellows for their
valuable indigenous knowledge transfer. The first
author is also thankful to CSIR-HRDG, New Delhi
for providing CSIR-SRF fellowship. We would like to
thank the Director, Institute of Minerals and Materials
Technology, CSIR, Bhubaneswar for providing
infrastructure to carry out research work successfully.
One of the authors (SSD) is thankful to Director,
Botanical Survey of India for facilities and
encouragements.
References
1 Pandey A and Gupta R, Fibre yielding plants of India-
Genetic resources, perspective for collection and utilization,
Nat Prod Rad, 2003, 2(4), 194-204.
2 Gillah P R, Irle M A and Amartey S A, Sisal fibres as a
potential raw material for medium density fibre board
production in Tanzania, Annals For, 1998, 6(2), 159-172.
3 Islam M, Certain fibre yielding plants in the north eastern
region, India, J Econ Taxon Bot, 1984, 5, 767-783.
4 Kulkarni DK and Kumbhojkar MS, Ethnobotanical studies
on Mahadeokoli tribe in western Maharashtra-Part I, Cordage
Plants, J Econ Tax Bot, 1992, Addl.Ser.10, 111-115.
5 Palni L M S, Promising Fibre-Yielding Plants of The Indian
Himalayan Region, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan
Environment & Development Kosi-Katarmal, Almora,
Uttarakhand, 2010.
6 Negi R S, Economic forest resources of Garhwal-Kumaon
Himalayas, Indian For, 1992, 118(8), 583-593.
7 Royle J F, The fibrous plants of India, Smith, Elder & Co.,
London, 1955.
8 Sahu SC, Rout NC and Dhal NK, Ethnobotany of Eulaliopsis
binata (Retz.) Hubbard - Poaceae in Orissa, Eastern India,
Cultivation Practice, Economics and Prospects, J Adv
Developmental Res, 2010, 1(2), 155-160.
9 Velasquez ZR, Wounaan and Embera, Uses and management
of the fibre palm Astrocaryum standleyanum (Arecaceae) for
basketories in eastern Panama, Econ Bot, 2001, 55(1), 72-82.
10 Saxena H O and Brahmam M, The Flora of Orissa, Regional
Research Laboratory, Bhubaneswar, Orissa and forest
Department Corporation, Orissa, 1994-96.
11 Gamble J S, Fischer C E C, Flora of Madras Presidency,
Bishen Singh & Mahendrapal Singh, Dehra Dun, 1915-36.
12 Haines H H, The Botany of Bihar and Orissa, Arnold & Sons
& West Nirman, London, 1921-25.