Musa textilis aka Abaca

Musa textilis is a banana species from the Philippines. It belongs to the banana family, Musaceae. Its common names include abaca and Manila hemp. This evergreen perennial grows in the wet tropics. Farmers grow it for fibre, rather than food. The Philippines remains a major centre of production. Growers also raise it in Ecuador, Sumatra, and Central America.

The plant forms clumps and looks like a small tree. Its thick false stems rise from a lasting, spreading rootstock. Sources give heights from 10–20 feet [3–6 metres]. The fuller accounts place it at 13–20 feet [4–6 metres]. One source gives a spread of 10 feet [3 metres]. False stems can reach about 1 foot [0.3 metres] across. Runners spread along the ground and root to form plants. The oblong leaves have dark green tops and paler undersides. They can reach 6.6 feet [2 metres] long. Their width can reach 2 feet [0.6 metres].

Birds and bats pollinate the flowers. The fruit contains seeds with uneven shapes and is inedible. The sources give no known food or medicinal uses. They also report no known hazards. This does not establish that every part is safe to eat. The large leaves and clustered stems give the plant its shape. PFAF also lists it as a plant that draws wildlife.

Abaca needs sun, warmth, moist soil, and shelter from strong winds. It grows fast where conditions suit it. Rich, fertile soil should drain well. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Its preferred pH range is 5.5–7, with wider tolerance reported. Best growth occurs with mean annual temperatures of 20–29°C. It favours high humidity and ample rain. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12 for hardiness. Growers can raise new plants from seed or divide suckers. Each divided sucker needs part of the rhizome.

The leaf sheaths yield tough fibre that resists salt water. Makers use it for ship ropes, nets, sacks, and cloth. It also supplies paper pulp and materials for crafts. In Japan, it provides paper for movable room walls. Synthetic fibres have reduced demand for some older uses. Fibre harvests can begin after 18–36 months of growth. Productive plantings can last six to fifteen years.