Many have ever heard of the Manila hemp. However, most people familiar with it may not even suggest that it is made from the fibers of a banana tree. There is a plant in the world used in textiles and in the production of many household items. The locations of this amazing unique natural material, its features and usage will be briefly described in this article.
What is an abacus?
What is the name of a textile banana? This amazing plant is called abacus (from the Latin Musa textilis) - one of the species of herbaceous perennials from the genus Banana of the Banana family (Musaceae).
The story of the plant, its homeland
Textile banana entered European life in 1768. At this time, the Spaniards began to grow it to export fiber to other countries. At first it was produced only in the Philippines, then in Indonesia (since 1920). Subsequently, they began to cultivate abacus in the countries of Central America (Honduras and Costa Rica). The durable fiber obtained from it also has the name abacus, like the plant itself. Another name for this fiber is Manila hemp. About it will be described below.
Treatment
Textile banana (photo below) ripens within 18-24 months. After that, the plant is cut directly at the root, then leaf blades are removed. At the same time, the weak fibers in them are used for paper production.
The separated bundles of the longest fibers (about half a kilogram from one plant) from plant fragments are dried by hand and with 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.
Using
After processing, the material is used in the manufacture of textile and other products without any additional processing and even without spinning. It is a tourniquet for weaving a particular household item and for the production of original furniture.
Often use a textile banana for marine ropes, cables and other similar products, because its fiber is very resistant to salt water.
The material of the plant is widely used in the manufacture of furniture, in the manufacture of which the basis is a rigid frame made of rattan or wood. “Banana rope” wraps the base of a certain shape.
Often, abacus is also used as a decorative finish for some elements of furniture ( table legs , armrests of armchairs, etc.).
Manila hemp: properties
Fiber extracted from a tropical plant (textile banana) is also called manila foam.
In addition to the above items, hemp is used to make a variety of ropes, bags and fishing tackle.
By its properties, this material does not coarsen and does not absorb water. Its qualities are superior to ordinary hemp made from hemp. Although the second material is more productive and less demanding on climatic conditions. Abacus is unsuitable for the production of fine yarn for weaving, and is used only for the manufacture of coarser cloth or braid for hats.
Textile banana is now widely used by florists and designers. Manila hemp is a rather exotic material, and very original interior items are obtained from it. Wicker furniture looks beautiful and exclusive.
Products from this fiber externally easily differ: they are yellow, brown or yellow-white in color with a gloss that is characteristic only for them, and in structure they are smooth and dense.
New fashion trends
Although coarse fibers are abacus, but they are very flexible, easily and well stained. A variety of exclusive decor items made of 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 spider net, a widespread element of decorating bouquets, is also made of abacus. A bottle of good wine, high-end cognac or any fashion accessory decorated and draped with a mesh of manila hemp can turn into a stylish and original present.
Finally
Now in the Philippines, the planting of this plant that is useful in everyday life is being actively revived to meet the growing demand for it around the world. It is a material for a large and successful future use. The scope of hemp is constantly and steadily expanding. This is due to the desire of mankind for rapprochement with nature and with all its natural wealth. 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 health. Therefore, fans of everything natural and natural are becoming more and more.