A strong fiber obtained from a Philippine banana plant, used to make rope, textiles, and other products.
From Tagalog abaka, the name of the plant in the Philippines. The plant (Musa textilis) is native to Southeast Asia and its fiber has been harvested for centuries.
Abaka fiber is so strong that it was historically used for ship ropes—in the age of sailing ships, this Philippine plant was as valuable as petroleum is today!
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