abaca
Musa textilis Née
Musa textilis, known as abaca or Manila hemp, is a species of banana in the Musaceae family. It is native to the Philippines and is cultivated for its strong fiber derived from the leaf-stems. The plant typically grows to a height of 13–22 feet (4.0–6.7 m), with an average height of around 12 feet (3.7 m).
Description
Musa textilis is a member of the Musaceae family and is widely grown for its fiber, which is used in the production of textiles and other industrial materials. The species is primarily found in the Philippines, where it is endemic, and has been introduced to other tropical regions for commercial cultivation. The plant's fibers are obtained from the pseudostem, the structure that supports the leaves. These fibers are known for their strength and durability, making abaca a valuable agricultural product.
Other common names
Manila-hempabaca
Distribution
TW · KM · IN · CR · Andaman Is. · Borneo · Caroline Is. · China South-Central · China Southeast · Costa Rica · Jawa · Myanmar · Nicobar Is. · Philippines · Trinidad-Tobago · Base-Guinée
Synonyms
Musa abacaMusa amboinensisMusa mindanaensisMusa textilis var. amboinensisMusa tikapMusa troglodytarum var. textoria
