Abaca or Manila Hemp,
which is scientifically known as Musa Textilis Nee, is endemic to the Philippines. It is similar to and belongs to the family of the banana plant and has been cultivated in the Philippines even before the arrival of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.
It is cited by the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) and the Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as the strongest natural fiber in the world .
More on Abaca Farming in the Philippines
Various Uses
The Philippine Abaca Industry
[1] esquiremag.ph interview with PhilFIDA; (https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/design/abaca-face-masks-a00202-20200522;)DOST, 02 June 2020,
News 2020, http://www.dost.gov.ph/knowledge-resources/news/67-2020-news/1832-dost-fprdi-abaca-hybrid-yields-quality-fiber.html, 18 June 2020