Many people have ever heard of manila hemp. However, most people who are familiar with it may not even assume that it is made from banana tree fibers. There is a plant in the world used in textiles and in the production of many household items. About the places of growth of this amazing unique natural material, its features and use will be briefly described in this article.
What is an abacus?
What is the name of the textile banana? This amazing plant is called abaca (from the Latin Musa textilis) - one of the types of herbaceous perennial plants from the Banana genus of the Banana family (Musaceae).
The story of the plant, its homeland
The textile banana entered European life in 1768. At this time, the Spaniards began to grow it for the export of fiber to other countries. At first, it was produced only in the Philippines, then in Indonesia (since 1920). SubsequentlyAbaca began to be cultivated in the countries of Central America (Honduras and Costa Rica). The strong fiber obtained from it also has the name abacus, like the plant itself. Another name for this fiber is manila hemp. It will be discussed below.
Processing
Banana textile (photo below) ripens within 18-24 months. After that, the plant is cut right at the root, then the leaf blades are removed. At the same time, weak fibers in them are used to make paper.
Separated bundles of fibers of the longest (about half a kilogram from one plant) from plant fragments are dried with hands and knives in the sun. The length of the fibers is from 100 to 500 cm. According to their characteristics and properties, they are rough, but they are well and evenly dyed, durable, hygroscopic.
Use
After processing, the material is used in the production of textiles and other products without any additional processing and even without spinning. It is a tourniquet for weaving this or that household item and for the production of original furniture.
The textile banana is often used for marine ropes, cables and other similar products, because its fiber is very resistant to s alt water.
The material of the plant is also widely used in the production of furniture, in the manufacture of which the basis is a rigid frame made of rattan or wood. "Banana rope" is wrapped around the base of a certainforms.
Often abacus is also used as a decorative finish for some furniture elements (table legs, chair armrests, etc.).
Manila hemp properties
Fiber extracted from a tropical plant (banana textile), otherwise called manila foam.
In addition to the above items, a variety of ropes, bags and fishing tackle are made from hemp.
According to its properties, this material does not coarsen and does not absorb water. Its qualities are superior to ordinary hemp produced from hemp. Although the second material is more productive and less demanding on climatic conditions. Abaca is unsuitable for the production of fine yarn for weaving, but is used only for making coarser cloth or braid for hats.
Banana textile is now widely used by florists and designers. Manila hemp is a rather exotic material, and very original home decorations are obtained from it. Wicker furniture looks beautiful and exclusive.
Products made from this fiber are easily distinguished from the outside: they are yellow, brown or yellow-white in color with a characteristic sheen only for them, and they are smooth and dense in structure.
New fashion trends
Although abaca fibers are coarse, they are very elastic, easily and well dyed. A variety of exclusive decor items made from banana fiber are gaining wide popularity: picture frames, wall panels, caskets, vases for flower bouquets. Textile banana is a spectacular, unique, and most importantly, environmentally friendly natural material.
The same cobweb, a widespread element of decorating bouquets, is also made from abaca. A bottle of good wine, elite cognac or any fashion accessory, decorated and draped with a manila hemp net, can turn into a stylish and original present.
In closing
Now the Philippines is actively reviving the planting of this useful plant in everyday life to meet the growing demand for it around the world. It represents material for a large and successful application in the future. The scope of hemp is constantly and steadily expanding. This is due to the desire of mankind to get closer to nature and all its natural riches. And all this is much better and more useful than artificial.
All products attract with their beauty, exoticism and practicality. This material is harmless to he alth. Therefore, there are more and more fans of everything natural and natural.
