## 1 Introduction  
Using natural fibers to create composite materials is a topic of great interest, as recent studies have shown that natural fibers have properties that facilitate their possible use as reinforcement materials to improve the mechanical properties and strength conditions of the composite materials in which they are integrated [1]. In addition, natural fiber composite materials offer benefits in terms of environmental impacts, such as recyclability, renewability, and biodegradability. They also minimize waste during manufacturing, have lower raw material costs, and are lightweight [2; 3]. These reinforced composites possess various other advantages, such as lower weight, reduced cost, and excellent mechanical properties [4; 5; 6; 7]. In the field of engineering, the use of natural fiber-reinforced composites has increased as alternatives to conventional materials due to their good specific strength, specific stiffness, and adjustable properties [8]. The substitution of harmful materials, such as asbestos, with natural fibers has yielded positive results [9; 10]. Some more specific examples include the use of banana fiber as a reinforcement material in a polyester resin matrix, resulting in improved mechanical properties compared to using only polyester resin [11]; guadua fiber has been considered as a possible reinforcement material due to its physical and mechanical properties [12]; sugar palm shows potential for advanced industrial applications like automotive, defense, and packaging [13]; and abaca, hemp, sisal, and jute fibers have been used as reinforcement materials in cement-based composites to produce fiber cement boards and fiber-reinforced concrete [14]. In Colombia, studies have been conducted to characterize native natural fibers, such as guadua (_Guadua Angustifolia Kunth_) [15], esparto (_Juncus ramboi_ subsp. _colombianus_) [16], damagua (_Poulsenia armata_), queregue (_Astracaryum standleyanun_), palm mat (_Astracaryum malybo_), wild cane (_Gynerium sagitatum_), and iraca (_Carludovica palmata_) [17]. These studies have demonstrated that these fibers can be used as reinforcement materials in polymeric matrices. This is due to their favorable morphological properties, as well as their strength and thermal stability, as observed in physical and thermal characterization tests and trials. However, in addition to the aforementioned fibers, there are other natural fibers derived from the residual biomass generated in the country through industrial processes that are currently not being properly managed or utilized. One such example is the fiber derived from edible canna (_Canna edulis Ker_), which is the focus of this study. There are very few characterization studies available in the scientific literature that provide insights into potential alternative uses of this fiber for reinforcing composite materials and improving their suitability for industrial applications. Edible canna, one of the Andean root and tuber crops known as achira, is a native crop of South America [18; 19]. This crop is distributed in many regions of the world and is known by a variety of local names, such as \"Chisgua\" in Colombia, \"Capacho\" in Venezuela, \"Imbiry\" in Brazil, \"Tous les mois\" in the West Indies, \"Queensland arrowroot\" in Australia, \"Zembu\" in the Philippines, \"Lotus tuber\" in Taiwan, and \"Sagu\" in Thailand [20; 21]. In Colombia, the cultivation of achira and the extraction of its starch are carried out in areas located at altitudes below 2700 m above mean sea level (MAMSL). This is primarily performed in the department of Cundinamarca and Southern Huila. Additionally, there are municipalities in the departments of Narino, Cauca, and Tolima where these processes are undertaken, although in a more isolated manner. The estimated annual demand for achira starch in the country is around 2000 tons [22]. In the department of Cundinamarca, the achira fiber is derived as a byproduct from the food industry while sifting rhizomes to extract raw materials for achira starch production.