(Manila hemp). The strongest vegetable fiber, obtained from the leaves of a tree of the banana family. The fibers are 4–8 feet long, light in weight, soft, lustrous, and nearly white; they do not swell or lose strength when wet. Denier ranges from 300 to 500. Combustible, but self-extinguishing.
Source:
Philippines, Central America, Sumatra.
Use:
Heavy cordage and twine, especially for marine use; manila paper.