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Definition

noun

The durable, nonliving sclerenchyma fiber in the phloem, providing support to the plant.

Supplement

These fibers are collected and derived from plants, especially the dicots. Some of the examples of bast fibers that are commercially important are:

• jute
• hemp
• flax
• ramie
• kenaf
• rattan

Variant(s):

• bast fibre (Brit.)

Synonym(s):

• phloem fiber
• skin fiber

See also:

• phloem