A strong fiber obtained from a banana-like plant native to the Philippines, used to make rope, textiles, and other durable goods; also called Manila hemp.
From Tagalog 'abacá,' the native Filipino name for the plant (Musa textilis). The plant itself is native to the Philippines, and the fiber was traded internationally for centuries, eventually becoming known as 'Manila hemp' in English.
Abaca rope was historically preferred for ships' rigging because it's strong, water-resistant, and doesn't rot like regular hemp—so global seafaring depended partly on Philippine agriculture, making this humble plant fiber surprisingly strategically important!
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