Question

The Leaves of _________ yield a strong and durable fibre known as Manila hemp

• A. Caryota urens
• B. Musa textilis
• C. Pandanus odoratissimus
• D. Agave cantala

Hint:

Due to its high tensile strength and resistance to marine water rot, Manila hemp is historically the preferred natural fiber for heavy ship rigging, marine ropes, and high-durability paper products.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Plant fibers are categorized based on the plant organ they are harvested from, such as bast (stem) fibers, surface fibers (seed hairs), and leaf fibers.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Manila hemp, also known as abaca, is a leaf fiber renowned for its high tensile strength and exceptional resistance to degradation by freshwater and saltwater.
This fiber is harvested from the large leaf sheaths of Musa textilis, a close relative of the cultivated edible banana.
The fibers are extracted by scraping away the non-fibrous pulp from the leaf sheaths (a process called decortication).
The other species yield different fibers:
- Agave cantala yields Cantala fiber (similar to sisal).
- Caryota urens yields a stiff brush-making fiber called Kitul fiber from its leaf bases.
- Pandanus leaves are mainly used for weaving coarse mats rather than extracting high-tensile cordage fiber.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The leaves of Musa textilis yield Manila hemp, corresponding to option (B).