Sisal, the most important fiber, is obtained from A. sisalana Perr.
Sisal is produced in Tanzania, Brazil, Angola, Madagascar, and Haiti.
In 1963, almost 1.5 million acres were devoted to sisal production in Africa and more than 300,000 acres in Brazil. Henequen, which is a much weaker fiber than sisal but which has a certain market, is produced primarily in Mexico. The plant grows slowly, attaining a height of only 6 inches 9 months after planting and 2 feet at the end of 2 years. It is about full grown at 4 years when its stem is about 8 inches in diameter and the harvesting of the lower leaves begins. From first appearance of the pole through flowering, fruiting, and death of the entire plant covers a span of about 6 months.