Sisal, henequen fibre

Agave variety, the Henequen plant was the source of the massive rope industry.
Mexican hacendias (plantations) grew the plants, they could only be harvested after 7 years, taking just 8 leaves every 6 months, and they died after 25 years.
Huge haciendas of 1000's of hectares generated enormous wealth for 100 years 1850 to 1950.
Fibres were shipped globally in bales to me manufactured in rope for all industries. The common name comes from the port of shipping 'sisal'.Read more