Piassava, also piaçava (Portuguese pronunciation: [pi.(j)ɐˈsavɐ]), piaçaba ([pi.(j)ɐˈsabɐ]), piasaba, pissaba, piassaba, and piaçá ([pjɐˈsa]),[1] is a fibrous product of Brazilian palm species Attalea funifera and Leopoldinia piassaba. It is often used in making brooms and for other purposes.[citation needed]

Piassava broom at a market

Piassava was historically exported to Europe before the widespread use of synthetic materials such as plastic. Today, it is mostly used locally in South America.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ The piaçá form occurs mostly in Portugal and is considered less correct by some dictionaries.
  2. ^ Brokamp, Grischa (2015). Relevance and Sustainability of Wild Plant Collection in NW South America: Insights from the Plant Families Arecaceae and Krameriaceae. Wiesbaden: Springer Spektrum. doi:10.1007/978-3-658-08696-1. ISBN 978-3-658-08695-4. S2CID 30557398.