Ramie

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea), perennial plant of the nettle family, grown for its fiber. Native to Asia, it is now also grown in Florida. Stalks grow from 3–7 ft (1–2 m) high and produce large leaves. When the plants are mature, the fiber is stripped from the stalks, washed to remove impurities, and dried. Ramie is one of the oldest sources of fiber and is ideal for the manufacture of canvas, ropes, and nets because its strength increases when it is wet.