abaca

n. a type of banana plant grown for its strong fibers rather than its fruit.

n. a plant species, Musa textilis, cultivated primarily in the Philippines for its leaf stalks.

“Farmers in the Philippines harvest abaca to produce high-quality materials for export.”

“The cultivation of abaca remains a vital industry in Southeast Asia, as the plant thrives in the volcanic soil and humid climate of the archipelago.”

Technical

n. a very strong natural fiber used to make rope, paper, and tea bags.

n. the durable, water-resistant fiber extracted from the leaf sheaths of the abaca plant.

“The ship's thick ropes were made of abaca because it stays strong in salt water.”

“Industrial manufacturers prefer abaca for specialized paper products, such as banknotes and tea bags, due to its exceptional tensile strength and resistance to water damage.”

Technical