I contact leaf while it is in said condition and while it has said original structure, having all or substantially all of its pulp and water, with a solvent for the sisal wax. This solvent is optionally and preferably anhydrous or substantially anhydrous. This solvent is also optionally and preferably immiscible with water, or substantially immiscible with water. The solvents which I use are exemplified by trichloroethylene, perchlorethylene carbon tetrachloride and other chlorinated hydrocarbons.