ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Bast fibre

Bast fibers are like the strong, stringy parts of plants that people can use to make things like rope, clothing, or paper. When you look at a plant stem, it is made up of different layers. One of these layers is the "bast" layer. It's called "bast" because it's kind of like the "skin" of the plant stem. This layer is made up of long, stringy fibers that are really strong and durable. Think of it like the fibers in your shirt or pants, which help keep them from tearing easily.

People have been using bast fibers for a long time to make all sorts of things. For example, in ancient times, people used to make rope and string from the fibers of the hemp plant. This was useful because hemp fibers are really strong and can support a lot of weight. Nowadays, people still use bast fibers to make things like clothing, paper, and even car parts because they are renewable, strong, and biodegradable. So the next time you see a plant stem, remember that there might be some strong bast fibers hiding inside!