Product: Palmyra / Bassine Origin: India / Sri Lanka Description: Palmyra fibre and bassine are produced from the leaf sheaths of the palmyra palm. The fibre is strong and wiry and is similar to piassava, although its fibres are shorter and finer and do not have as good elasticity. Palmyra "stalks" are produced from palm leaves and are much coarser. Uses: Mixed with Mexican fibre both the bassine and the "stalks" produce a good mixture of bristles for nail, carpet, scrubbing and street cleaning brushes. Grades Packing Unit Shipment Unit Prime stiff and medium stiff, dyed and undyed per 50 kg ballots 20 / 40 ft container Various mixtures of bassine and palmyra stalks, all in various cut sizes per 50 kg ballots 20 / 40 ft container Production Details: The fibre is produced from the leaf sheath of the palmyra palm, which grows predominantly in India, Sri Lanka and West Africa. The basic processing consists of beating the sheath with a wooden mallet to separate the fibres. (Sometimes the fibre will first be soaked for two or three days to facilitate the extraction). After being combed to remove pith and short fibres it is sold on to intermediary dealers who further process it. The fibre is given a second soaking to give it a brown tinge and is then graded according to its thickness and stiffness. The quality also depends on the area of production, with the best coming from Tuticorin in India. This basic fibre is known at palmyra, but once it has undergone the further processing, has been cut into lengths and sometimes dyed, it is known as bassine. Bassine is really a form of dressed palmyra being more carefully selected, cleaned and graded. The leaves of the palm contain a strong rib which is removed and traded under the description of "palmyra stalks". Contact: Matthew Ralph