Brazilian Buriti Palm Fiber (Mauritia flexuosa Mart.)

The buriti (Mauritia flexuosa Mart.) is a palm tree present in the Brazilian territory, mainly in the Amazon Forest and Cerrado biomes, and throughout South America. It is known as the "Tree of Life" because all of its parts can be fully used, being the main source of income for many people in rural communities. In different Brazilian states, the fibers removed from the young leaves (buds) of the Buriti palm tree are employed in handicraft manufacturing. These fibers are popularly called Buriti "linen or silk". This paper presents the characteristics of the Buriti palm tree; its collection, processing, physicochemical properties, traditional and new employments. The employment of buriti fiber in traditional and new applications in design and industry is promising. Moreover, responsible and sustainable management of this natural resource can collaborate in the construction of social benefits. The encouragement of recovery and strengthening of local cultural identity and the organization of communities around a social economy will lead to the generation of income for extractive communities.