Abaca Plant

ABACA

The plant

Also called manila hemp, abaca

is extracted from the leaf sheath around the

trunk of the abaca plant (Musa textilis), a

close relative of the banana, native to the

Philippines and widely distributed in the

humid tropics. Harvesting abaca is labour

intensive as each stalk must be cut into strips

which are scraped to remove the pulp. The

fibres are then washed and dried.

USES:

Due to its strength, it is a sought after product and

is the strongest of the natural fibers.

It is used by the paper industry for such specialty

uses as teabags, and mimeograph mats.

It can be used to make handcrafts like bags,

carpets, clothing and furniture.

Abacá rope is very durable, flexible and resistant

to salt water damage, allowing its use

in hawsers, ship's lines and fishing nets.

Abacá fiber was once used primarily for rope, but

this application is now of minor significance.

Lupis is the

finest quality of

abacá.

Sinamay is woven chiefly from

abacá.

Environmental benefits

Erosion control and biodiversity

rehabilitation can be assisted by

intercropping abaca in former monoculture

plantations and rainforest areas, particularly

with coconut palms. Planting abaca can

also minimize erosion and sedimentation

problems in coastal areas which are

important breeding places for sea fishes. The

water holding capacity of the soil will be

improved and floods and landslides will also

be prevented. Abaca waste materials are

used as organic fertilizer.

Sinamay Products

Filipino Attire

Barong

Thank you so much

Penn & Jojo Larena

St. Paul University Dumaguete

Pinili Cultural Educational Heritage Society

Dumaguete Arts & Festival Society

SPUD Cultural ANTHROPOLOGY Class

God bless u & Thank you