The main objective of the research work was to characterise the mechanical and chemical properties of fibres from a number of endemic and exotic plant species available in Mauritius in order to identify potential fibres that can be used as reinforcing materials in the bio-composites. The results have revealed good tensile strength for the following fibres: Ravenala Madagascariensis, Dracaena floribunda, Latania loddigesii, Dracaena concinna, and Thysanolaena latifolia. The FTIR results have shown that in most cases, the 5 % NaOH treatment at room temperature for 24 hours significantly removed hemicellulose from the fibres. The DSC and TGA results have confirmed the improved thermal stability of the chemically treated fibres. However, there is a need to determine the optimum chemical treatment which would yield the maximum tensile strength for each of the above-mentioned five fibres. The results of the tensile strength of the bio-composite manufactured with Ravenala Madagascariensis, Dracaena floribunda, Dracaena concinna, and Thysanolaena latifolia, have shown a significantly lower strength as compared to the strength of the resin alone. The SEM image analysis has revealed a poor wettability of the fibres to the resin. This shows that there is a need for further research in order to improve the wettability of the fibres as well as the fibre characteristics in terms of length, density and orientation which can lead to reinforcement in the bio-composites.