Rubber-producing Plants
Rubber-producing plants primarily belong to the genus Hevea, with Hevea brasiliensis being the most significant species. These trees are native to the Amazon rainforest and are cultivated in tropical regions worldwide for their latex, a milky fluid that can be processed into natural rubber. The latex is harvested by making incisions in the bark, allowing the fluid to flow out and be collected.
In addition to Hevea brasiliensis, other plants like Ficus elastica and Taraxacum species (dandelions) also produce rubber, though in smaller quantities. The rubber extracted from these plants is used in various products, including tires, footwear, and medical supplies, making them essential to many industries.