Istle

Istle (also spelt ixtle) or tampico fiber is the general name for a hard plant fiber obtained from a number of Mexican plants, chiefly species of Agave and Yucca. Istle or ixtle is also used as the common name (or part of the common name) of the plants producing the fiber. Ixtle is also the common name of a species of bromeliad, Aechmea magdalenae, grown in southern Mexico for its silky fibers.

Istle fiber is used as a substitute for animal bristles in the manufacture of brushes, cords, and ropes. Particular kinds of istle include:

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