Fun Facts

Banana Fiber (from banana plant stems)

Banana plants aren’t actually trees — they’re giant herbs, and their stems yield strong natural fibers.
Banana fiber is one of the oldest natural fibers, used in Japan for textiles since the 13th century.
It’s naturally biodegradable and considered one of the most eco-friendly fibers.
Banana fiber is as strong as bamboo and as smooth as silk!
It’s water-resistant and has natural antibacterial properties.
Farmers often discard banana stems after harvesting fruit, so using the fiber reduces agricultural waste.
Each banana plant stem can yield up to 1 kg of fiber.
It’s commonly used in ropes, mats, baskets, and even high-end clothing.
Banana fiber paper is more durable than wood pulp paper.
In India and the Philippines, banana fiber has cultural significance in traditional weaving.

Banana Fiber

1.

Invasive Species

2.

Merremia peltata Vines (a fast-growing invasive climber) Nicknamed the “green blanket,” this vine can cover entire trees in weeks.

It grows so fast it can climb up to 30 meters in height! Merremia peltata is native to parts of Asia but is invasive in the Indian Ocean islands, including Seychelles.
Its dense growth can smother forests, blocking sunlight from native plants.
The vines produce pretty yellow flowers that hide their destructive side.
Traditionally, fibers from the vine have been tested for ropes and handicrafts. Its rapid biomass growth makes it a potential raw material for bio-based products.
When mulched, it can enrich soils with organic matter. The plant is part of the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae).
Scientists are exploring ways to turn this “pest” plant into packaging materials or biofuels.

Seaweed

Sargassum Seaweed (floating brown algae)

Sargassum forms massive “floating islands” in the ocean, sometimes visible from space! It provides shelter and nurseries for fish, turtles, and crabs.
The Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic is named after it. Recently, it’s been washing up in huge amounts on Caribbean and Indian Ocean beaches.
When decomposing on shore, it smells like rotten eggs due to sulfur compounds.
It’s rich in alginates, fucoidan, and other biochemicals valuable in food and pharma.
Sargassum can be used to make bioplastics, fertilizers, and animal feed. It absorbs carbon dioxide as it grows, helping in carbon sequestration. Historically, sailors feared getting stuck in “Sargasso mats” — though that was more myth than reality.
Researchers are developing UV-resistant biopolymers and bioresins from sargassum.