Manila hemp, also known as 
manilla is a type of 
fiber obtained from the leaves of the 
abaca (
Musa textilis), a relative of the 
banana. It is mostly used to make 
ropes and it is the most durable of the natural fibers. Other uses for manila fiber are coarse fabric and 
paper. 
The name refers to the capital of Philippines. The country is one of the main areas of cultivation of abaca.
 
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