LINAGES 



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rigid, at the same time retaining considerable elasticity due 

 to the bast fibers. 



Flax Fibers. — Three tissue areas are recognizable in the 

 stem: pith, wood, and bark. The flax bark contains the 

 bast or flax fiber cells. These bast fibers give flax straw 



Fig. 199. — Common flax (Linum usitatissimum) . 



its great financial value since they make up the part from 

 which linen is made. Each bast fiber is. a single cell, 25 to 

 30 millimeters long, and cyHndrical in shape. 



Leaves, Inflorescence and Flowers. — The leaves are 

 narrow, entire, and blunt at the apex. The inflorescence 



