The trade with indigenous plant products has increased over the past years, contributing considerable to the household economies of rural people. Likewise, the trade with thatch grasses in north eastern Namibia has grown to a multi-million dollar industry, with a considerable amount being exported to neighbouring Angola. However, confusion still exists as to which grass species are harvested, where they grow, and in what quantities. With this paper, the main thatching species, Eragrostis pallens, Cymbopogon caesius and Hyperthelia dissoluta, together with other potential thatching species, are shortly described according to characteristics important for the thatching industry. Recommendations are made to improve the sustainability of the industry. Key words: Cymbopogon caesius, Eragrostis pallens, Hyperthelia dissoluta, indigenous plant product trade, thatch grass, thatch quality.