Unusual Plant Profile
Hevea brasiliensis
Milky Liquid Magic (The Rubber Tree)
You have read about plants that eat insects and plants that grow into gigantic flowers. But did you know that some trees produce a sticky white liquid that can be turned into shoes, bouncy balls, and car tires? Meet the amazing rubber tree!
A Sticky Shield
The rubber tree produces a thick, milky white liquid called latex as its defense system.
Harvesting Without Harm
Workers collect latex through tapping by shaving off a thin strip of bark carefully.
Latex: Sticky milky liquid from rubber trees.
Tapping: Shaving bark gently to collect sap.