Abaca, also known as Manila hemp, is a species of banana native to the Philippines. It is a plant that grows to 13-22 feet and averages about 12 feet, and has great economic importance due to its fiber, which is extracted from the leaf-stems. Abaca fibers are obtained from the plant leaf stalks (petioles) and are valued for their exceptional strength, flexibility, buoyancy, and resistance to damage in saltwater. The abaca plant belongs to the banana family, Musaceae, and is closely related to the banana plant (Musa sapientum) . The fibers are extremely strong and grow as layers of overlapping leaf sheaths which form the stalk. Abaca fibers were traditionally woven into sturdy textiles and clothing in the Philippines since pre-colonial times, and were often compared to calico in terms of texture. Abaca cloth was a major trade commodity in the pre-colonial Philippines. Today, abaca fibers are used for a variety of products, including ropes, cords, strings, rugs, durable furniture, decorative products, specialized papers, and even sausage casings, pill coatings, and surgical masks. The Philippines remain the worlds largest producer of abaca, but it is also cultivated in other Southeast Asian countries, with Ecuador being the second-largest producing country.