The word henequen is used to define a species of monocotyledonous plant of the genus of the agaves, relative to the family of the agavaceae. This plant is native to Yucatán (Mexico), where it was cultivated by the Mayans in pre-Hispanic times due to the use that was given to its fibers. In addition to the Yucatan peninsula, henequen cultivation was also very successful in other areas of Mexico such as Veracruz and Tamaulipas, even in Cuba this plant is cultivated, however in all these regions its plantation had to be restricted. Before there were a great variety of Henequen, however, currently there are only three types:
White henequen (sac ki), this species is the one that has been planted the most, this is due to the quality of its fibers. The green henequen (yaax ki), this species is currently in danger of extinction since the quality of its fibers has not been very well accepted. The wild boar henequen (kitam ki) is also in danger of extinction, despite having softer fibers, its yield was low. He was employed in the textile industry.
It is characterized by being a very resistant plant to pests or drought, its leaves grow from the ground, they are large and thick, greyish-white, with thorny edges, very pointed, with thorns that measure almost 2 cm. All the leaves end at the vertex, in a fine needle 5 cm long. It throws a flower in its entire life, on a stem of about eight or ten meters. Its growth period is 8 to 15 years, however, it can live up to 25 years, of which 20 represent the productive cycle of the plant. The climate where it is grown has to be warm, sub-humid and dry.
The production of henequen is usually not expensive since, as it is an extremely resistant plant, it does not need much care. Its utility is very diverse, being the industrial sector the one that most benefits from it, in the manufacture of threads, ropes, bags, etc. It is also used in making handicrafts such as hammocks, rugs, and rugs. Likewise, alcoholic beverages can be made. Henequen juice is used as a biodetergent for washing and scrubbing, and as a solvent for fuels.
