Description

South American tropical tree of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). Cultivated on plantations in the tropics and subtropics, especially in Southeast Asia and western Africa, it replaced the rubber plant in the early 20th century as the chief source of natural rubber.

Characteristics

It has soft wood; high, branching limbs; and a large area of bark. The milky liquid (latex) that oozes from any wound to the tree bark contains about 30 percent rubber, which can be coagulated and processed into solid products, such as tires.

Uses

• Rubber is used to manufacture gardening tools, pipes, and hoses. It has less affinity for water and tolerates daily use without any hassle.
• Rubber is an excellent insulator. It does not allow heat or electricity to pass. Hence, it is also used to manufacture and handle covers of different tools and equipment used in industries and households
• Rubber is highly elastic. It can absorb shock exceptionally and protects the objects wrapped with it. The products of rubber in this aspect are mats, shock absorbers for machinery, handles, etc.
• Rubber is also used as an adhesive and cementing element. Rubber is used in the construction industry