Indigenous plants used in making traditional brooms and mats

Traditional brooms and mats represent important components of indigenous household utilities that are closely associated with local plant biodiversity and traditional knowledge systems. The present study compiles and documents plant species traditionally used for making brooms and mats based on available ethnobotanical literature. A total of 30 plant species belonging to 18 families were recorded as important raw materials for these traditional crafts. Among them, the family Poaceae was the most dominant, contributing the highest number of species, such as Thysanolaena latifolia, Phragmites australis, Sorghum bicolor and Aristida setacea, which are widely utilized due to their fibrous and flexible nature. Species like Cocos nucifera, Phoenix sylvestris and Pandanus odorifer are particularly valued for their strong and resilient fibres suitable for household cleaning tools and floor coverings. The current study highlights the ecological and socio-economic importance of these plant resources, which support rural livelihoods, cottage industries and sustainable utilization of locally available vegetation. Documentation of such indigenous knowledge is crucial for conserving traditional craftsmanship, promoting sustainable resource management and encouraging eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic household products.