Ixtle \Ix"tle\, Ixtli \Ix"tli\([i^]x"tl[-e]), n. (Bot.) A Mexican name for a variety of Agave rigida, which furnishes a strong coarse fiber; also, the fiber itself, which is called also pita, and Tampico fiber. [Written also istle.]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Pita \Pi"ta\, n. [Sp.]

(Bot.)
   (a) A fiber obtained from the Agave Americana and other related species, -- used for making cordage and paper. Called also pita fiber, and pita thread.
   (b) The plant which yields the fiber.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)