Any one could be as useful as vincristine, derived from the Madagascar periwinkle, which has increased the survival rate of children with leukemia from 20 percent to 80 percent. Most plants remain untested for their medical potential. Another extremely promising anti-cancer drug is taxol, derived from Pacific yew which has worked against a broad range of cancers. Plants are also the real source of the animal products we consume such as beef, milk, and fish. Native plants have great untapped potential as sources of improved genetic traits such as disease resistance and drought tolerance.
Plants are immensely important for the consumer goods they provide.
Fibers from plants provide clothing. The paper for this document and the wood used to build our homes come from plants. Future fuel needs may also be met by plants, whether it be hydrocarbons derived from such species as the gopher plant or alcohols derived from corn and the sugar cane. While many of the most important industrial products come from relatively common plants, rare and uncommon plants have provided exotic substances ranging from insect repellent to lubricants. The quality of the air can be greatly influenced by plants.