can·ta·la 
(kăn-tälə)
(kăn-tälə)n.
1. A species of agave (Agave cantala) cultivated chiefly in warm regions of the Old World for its leaf fibers.
2. The fiber of this plant, used for twine, rope, and nets.
[New Latin, specific epithet, perhaps from Sanskrit kaṇṭalaḥ, babul, from kaṇṭaḥ, thorn.]