Sisal

Sisal or sisal hemp, also known as henequin, is a Mexican or West Indian plant with large fleshy leaves yielding a stiff fiber used in rope (see agave) or the plant fibers themselves.

This plant has two species, Agave fourcroyoides and Agave sisalana. It is a relative of the century plant[?].

The majority of the rope made in the 19th century and the start of the 20th century was made from this plant. During this time period the majority of the world's sisal crop was grown in the Yucatan of Mexico.

The name came from the port town of Sisal, Yucatan which was the principle port of Yucatan during the henequin boom until the more modern port of Progresso, Yucatan[?] was built to the east. The town of Sisal is about 53 km north north-west of Merida, Yucatan. It has a colonial era fortress[?], the "Castle of Sisal", and an old lighthouse.

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Do not confuse with SISAL, which is the "Streams and Iteration in a Single Assignment Language" and is not useful in making rope.