What Are Rubber Trees? Do They Really Produce Rubber?

You might have heard about rubber trees, but how much do you really know about them? For example, did you know that the rubber tree and rubber tree plant are different? But what are rubber trees exactly, and why do they have that name?

If you want to learn more about the rubber tree plant and whether or not they produce rubber as their name suggests, then keep reading below.

What Are Rubber Trees?

Rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) is a tropical tree. It can grow up to 130 feet tall in its natural habitat. However, on average, the rubber tree is closer to 50 to 65 feet tall.

They usually look tall, straight, and round. The bark is smooth, and light gray, though often mottled. They are pretty skinny as well. The roots of the trees are made of deep tap roots. The rubber tree’s leaves grow in groups of three, stretching 10 to 15 centimeters long and three to six centimeters wide.

The seeds of the rubber trees are edible. However, they are poisonous and contain cyanide. To remove the toxins and make them safe to eat, you must soak or boil them for a while before eating. According to studies, the best method is to soak the seeds for 20 hours in water and then cook for at least an hour.

Where Are Rubber Trees Found?

Originally, these trees were found only in the Amazon basin. However, these trees have spread further to much of South America due to people introducing them to grow and produce more natural rubber.

Now, it’s found in Brazil and other parts of South America, Africa, and parts of Asia. Specifically, rubber trees grow best between 15 degrees North and 10 degrees South latitude. These rubber trees excel at any elevation below 1969 feet. Their ideal temperatures are on the hotter side, between 79 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

As for ideal soil types, rubber trees are fairly diverse. They grow on volcanic, peaty, and acidic soils.

Though the plants have spread, they must stay in a tropical or subtropical climate. They do best somewhere with at least 50 inches of annual rainfall and no frost.

Because they have similar growing conditions, rubber trees are often grown alongside cocoa and coffee plants.

Do Rubber Trees Really Make Rubber?

Rubber trees do actually produce rubber. There was a plant, known as the rubber plant or India rubber plant (Ficus elastica), that was used to provide natural rubber for a long time. However, the rubber wasn’t all that great. In the 20th century, the rubber tree became the main source as it provided more quality latex and a greater yield.

In addition to these two plants, it’s estimated that a total of 2,000 plant species also produce natural rubber. But the rubber trees are the only ones used for commercial purposes.

The natural latex, a milky liquid, that comes from the tree is made up of about 30 percent rubber. The latex from these trees is used to make tires and gloves, amongst others. Traditionally, the Aztecs and Mayans used the latex from this tree to make rubber balls and waterproof clothes.

Unfortunately, rubber trees aren’t used as much as synthetic latex. They take a long time to grow, six years before being tapped. Then, the latex has to undergo a lengthy process to make it usable. Also, they only produce latex for 25 to 30 years before the quality of rubber seriously declines.

There’s also the problem of frost. One minor frost and the rubber that these plants produce will become brittle and breakable rather than stretchy and bendy.

Still, it’s the best source of natural rubber. Roughly 90 percent of natural rubber comes from the rubber tree.

Use of Rubber Tree Seeds

Rubber trees aren’t just useful for their latex. Their seeds are also used. The seeds have Para rubber seed oil. It’s a pale yellow oil that’s used for making torches, soap, paint, and varnish. It also helps keep away flies and lice.

The seeds are a good source of nutrients for people who eat them. They’re said to contain calcium, energy, valine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine. Each seed is also 18 percent protein, which makes it a rather decent meal.