bast fibers
Strong woody fibers obtained from both the phloem
and pericycle of various plants, and used in the
manufacture of paper. Bast fibers, which include
those of hemp, jute, mitsumata, and ramie, among
others, are generally thinner than cotton fibers
but their tubes have thicker walls than does
cotton. Bast fibers are also generally stiffer and
stronger than cotton fibers. (17 , 42 , 198 )
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