- The leaf sheath is fibrous, rigid and chocolate-colored. As it ages, it tears into numerous thin and strong fibers (up to 6-feet long and beyond) that hang from the trunk like a garment; these fibers are the material used to manufacture premium handcrafted and roofing products of very high quality, resistance and durability.

- Since ancient times, the Piapoco, Curripaco and Puinave peoples have used the palm’s leaves for roofing their homes and its fruits for food/nourishment. 

- It is carried out in the rainforest during the rainy season, when the rivers are full, allowing access to the headwaters.

- Family groups establish temporary camps for extraction, once the palm sheaths are collected. 

- The fiber is selected and cleaned in the river. It is then classified. 

- The fiber is tied in small 2-inch bows. The fiber can measure more than 6-feet long.

- It is transported from Amazonia in canoes, boats, trucks and containers to the reception and storage center in Miami, Florida. 

- The fiber is packaged in bundles or in cones of approximately 20 to 30 pounds, each bale covering 10 square feet. 

- The palm name is Leopoldinia Piassaba, Piassaba’s epithet originates in the Amazon. The fiber is also known as “Chiqui Chiqui Fiber”.