Para Rubber Tree

The Pará rubber tree initially grew only in the Amazon Rainforest. These trees were used to obtain rubber by the Olmec people of Mesoamerica as early as 3600 years ago. The rubber was used, among other things, to make the balls used in the Mesoamerican ballgame.

In 1873 there was an attempt to grow rubber trees outside Brazil. After some effort, twelve seedlings were germinated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. These were sent to India for cultivation, but died. A second attempt was then made, some 70,000 seeds being smuggled to Kew in 1875, by Henry Wickham, at the service of the British Empire. And in 1876 about 2000 seedlings were sent, in Wardian cases, to Ceylon, and 22 sent to the Botanic Gardens in Singapore. Once established outside its native country, rubber was extensively propagated in the British colonies. Rubber trees were brought to the botanical gardens at Buitenzorg, Java in 1883. By 1898, a rubber plantation had been established in Malaya, and today most rubber tree plantations are in South and Southeast Asia and some also in tropical West Africa.

Para Rubber Tree Latex

In the forrest, the tree can reach a height of up to 144 feet (44 m). The white or yellow latex occurs in latex vessels in the bark, mostly outside the phloem. Once the trees are 5–6 years old, harvesting can begin. This process is known as rubber tapping. Older trees yield more latex.

The wood from this tree, referred to as parawood or rubberwood, is used in the manufacture of furniture. It is valued for its dense grain, minimal shrinkage, attractive color and acceptance of different finishes. It is also prized as an "environmentally friendly" wood, as it makes use of trees that have been cut at the end of their latex-producing cycle.