Banana textile: photo, use

Many have ever heard of the Manila hemp. However, most people familiar with it, perhaps, do not even assume 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. About places of growth of this surprising unique natural material, about its features and about use will be briefly told in this article.

What is an abacus?

What is the name of a textile banana? This amazing plant is called an abaca (from the Latin Musa textilis) - one of the species of herbaceous perennial plants of the genus Banana of the family Banana (Musaceae).

The history of the plant, its homeland

The banana textile in the European way of life entered in 1768. At this time, the Spaniards began to grow it to export fiber to other countries. The first time it was produced only in the Philippines, then in Indonesia (since 1920). Subsequently, the cultivation of abaca steel in the countries of Central America (Honduras and Costa Rica). A strong fiber, derived from it, also has the name of an abacus, just like the plant itself. Another name for this fiber is manila hemp. About it will be told just below.

Treatment

The textile banana (photo below) ripens within 18-24 months. After this, the plant is cut right at the root, then the leaf plates are removed. In this case, the weak fibers in them are used for the production of paper.

Separated bundles of fibers of the longest (about half a kilogram from one plant) from the fragments of the plant by hands and using knives are dried 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, strong, hygroscopic.

Using

After processing, the material is used in the production of textile and other products without any additional processing and even without spinning. It represents a plait for weaving this or that household item and for the production of original furniture.

Often a textile banana is used for sea ropes, ropes and other similar products, because its fiber is very resistant to salt water.

Widely used plant material and in the production of furniture, the manufacture of which is based on a rigid frame of rattan or wood. "Banana rope" wrapped the basis of a certain shape.

Often used as an abacus and as a decorative finishing of certain elements of furniture ( table legs , armrests, etc.).

Manila hemp: properties

A fiber extracted from a tropical plant (a textile banana) is called a manila foam in another way.

In addition to the above items from hemp produce a variety of ropes, bags and fishing tackle.

By its properties this material does not coarsen and does not absorb water. His qualities exceed the usual hemp made from hemp. Although the second material is more productive and less demanding for climatic conditions. Abaca is not suitable for the production of fine yarn for weaving, but is used only for making coarser cloth or hats.

Banana textile is now widely used in florists and designers. Manila hemp is a rather exotic material, and from it very original interior objects are obtained. Beautiful and exclusive looks wicker furniture.

Products from this fiber externally easily differ: they are yellow, brown or yellow-white with a characteristic only for them shine, and in structure they are smooth and dense.

New fashion trends

Although coarse fibers are abaca, but they are very elastic, easily and well colored. A variety of exclusive decor items made of banana fiber: frames for paintings, wall panels, caskets, vases for flower bouquets are gaining wide popularity. The textile banana is an effective, unique, and most importantly - environmentally friendly natural material.

The very mesh spiderweb, a widespread element of decorating bouquets, is also made from abaca. A bottle of good wine, elite cognac or any fashionable accessory, decorated and draped with a manila hemp net, can turn into a stylish and original present.

Finally

Now the Philippines is actively reviving the planting of this useful in everyday life plants to meet the increasing demands in it around the world. It is a material for a large and successful application in the future. The area of application 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 one.

All products attract their beauty, exotic and practical. This material is harmless to health. Therefore, the fans of everything natural and natural become more and more.