A Review on Korai Grass (Cyperus pangorei): Traditional Applications, Fiber Potential, and Emerging Opportunities in Sustainable Textiles.

Fashion Technology

Korai grass (Cyperus pangorei) is an indigenous wetland plant predominantly grown along river margins and marshy tracts of South India, especially in Tamil Nadu. This review critically examines the relevance of Korai grass as an alternative natural fibre for sustainable textile and craft-based applications. Conventionally employed in handwoven mats and domestic utility products, the fibre contributes to environmentally responsible production while sustaining traditional artisan communities. Recent scientific observations on Cyperus species reveal the presence of biologically active constituents associated with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and health-supportive functions. These intrinsic properties provide scope for extending Korai grass usage into functional and wellness-oriented textile products, including hygienic floor coverings, therapeutic mats, and eco-conscious home textiles. Such value addition strengthens the material’s relevance in modern sustainable textile systems. This paper discusses botanical characteristics, cultivation practices, traditional processing, fibre properties, functional potential, and future research requirements essential for integrating Korai grass into contemporary textile product development.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.