The manila plant or abaca fibre is described as a
vegetable leaf fiber derived from the Musa textilis plant that is cultivated in the Philippines, but is also found, in smaller amounts, in Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia and Costa Rica, where its long stalks and leaves are harvested for paper production.
Manila fiber papers are very strong and are a natural light buff color. Also known as Manila Hemp, it is not actually a hemp fiber, but is related to the banana.
Abaca fibre is obtained from the outer layer of the leaf. Processing occurs when it is separated mechanically into lengths varying from 3 to 9 feet. Abaca is very strong fibre, it has great luster, and is very resistant to damage from salt water.
-see also:
"Abaca" is in the HS Code "5305"
Coconut, Abaca (Manila Hemp Or Musa Textilis Nee), Ramie And Other Vegetable Textile Fibres, Not Els
"Abaca" is in the UNSPSC Code "11121807"
Abaca fibers