sisal

Plant (Agave sisalana) of the agave family, and the fibre from its leaves. The fibre is made into ropes and twines for marine, agricultural, shipping, and general industrial use, as well as into matting, rugs, hats, and brushes. Though sometimes referred to as sisal hemp, it is not related to true hemp. Growing to a height of about 3 ft (1 m) and a diameter of about 15 in. (38 cm), the stalk bears fleshy, rigid, gray to dark green, lance-shaped leaves in a dense rosette. Tanzania and Brazil are the main producers of sisal.

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