G'day Everyone.
The recent post about nettle cordage got me thinking (dangerous I know )
We have a species of nettle (Utricia incisa) which is commonly called stinging nettle or scrub nettles.
The leaves make a very tasty stir fry with garlic..
and when time is available, usefull fibre can be extracted from it.
However, as a general rule when I'm out in the bush and need cordage, I need it now. Plants that require preparation to provide useful fibre (like nettle & willow) take second fiddle to plants I can use straight away.
I guess I'm lucky in having a native Aussie plant like Lomandra longifolia...
...that not only has an edible white growing base on each leaf....
....but also has strong enough fibres without treatment.
....that can be split into thinner strips for thinner ropes if required...
...and is flexible enough the form a knot in the end to start platting....
....to form a three strand platted rope...
....that is supple enough to form a granny knot...
....and strong enough to hold a fair weight....
My question is, are there any plants in the Nth Hemisphere that can provide usefull cordage without prior treatment?
Thanks in advance for your answers.
Kind regards
Mick
The recent post about nettle cordage got me thinking (dangerous I know )
We have a species of nettle (Utricia incisa) which is commonly called stinging nettle or scrub nettles.
The leaves make a very tasty stir fry with garlic..
and when time is available, usefull fibre can be extracted from it.
However, as a general rule when I'm out in the bush and need cordage, I need it now. Plants that require preparation to provide useful fibre (like nettle & willow) take second fiddle to plants I can use straight away.
I guess I'm lucky in having a native Aussie plant like Lomandra longifolia...
...that not only has an edible white growing base on each leaf....
....but also has strong enough fibres without treatment.
....that can be split into thinner strips for thinner ropes if required...
...and is flexible enough the form a knot in the end to start platting....
....to form a three strand platted rope...
....that is supple enough to form a granny knot...
....and strong enough to hold a fair weight....
My question is, are there any plants in the Nth Hemisphere that can provide usefull cordage without prior treatment?
Thanks in advance for your answers.
Kind regards
Mick
Last edited: