How to create a load file with header and category?

Referring to fisheriris data set, I would like to create a Mat file that able to load in Matlab that comprises of numeric and a string value. Enclosed below are my data. I realize that in fisheriris there are two separate attributes (1) meas hold numeric / float data and (2)species hold string data. My question is how to do that? How to store two attributes within the load Mat file. Thank you in advance.

[Stephen23]

Some ideas:

• use a table.
• use a cell array (not recommended).
• use separate arrays (simplest and most efficient).