Abacá, Musa textilis, is a large herbaceous perennial plant in the family Muscaceae harvested for its fibre which has a variety of uses in the textile industry. The plant is a tall, tropical, tree-like plant with a sturdy main pseudostem (not a true stem as it is made of rolled leaf bases) possessing up to 12 overlapping leaves at the top. The leaves are large, narrow oblongs which are deep green in color. The plant produces large, bright flowersThe plant can reach heights of 2.5–6.0 m (8.2–19.7 ft) and can live for up to 10 years. Abacá may also be referred to Manila hemp and originates from the Philippenes.
The majority of Albacá fibre is pulped and processed into specialty papers which can be used for a wide array of applications including tea bags, vacuum bags and currencyor in the textile industry to produce bags, carpets, clothing and furniture. The fibres are also used to make rope.and fishing line.
