Sisal, << SIHS uhl, >> also called sisal hemp, is a plant grown for its strong fiber. The fiber, also known as sisal, is obtained from the plant’s swordlike leaves. It is used to make twine, rope, doormats, bags, and other items. The sisal plant is named after the Mexican port town from which sisal fibers were first exported. Today, sisal is mostly grown in dry regions of Angola, Brazil, Kenya, Madagascar, and Tanzania.
The leaves of the sisal plant grow about 5 feet (1.5 meters) long. Manufacturers remove the fibers through a process called decorticating. In this process, the leaves are mechanically crushed to squeeze out soft plant material and juices. The coarse fibers are then scraped, washed, and dried.
