Para rubber tree, Caoutchouc tree
Hevea brasiliensis

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

A deciduous tree. It grows 20 m tall. The bark is smooth and grey. The leaves have 3 leaflets. They are dark green and 30-60 cm long. They are arranged in spirals. The flowers are pale yellow and occur in large panicles. They have a scent. The fruit is a capsule. It is large and has 3 lobes. They are held in clusters. The explode on opening. The seeds are speckled and 2.5 cm long.

There are 9 Hevea species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is native to the Amazon in Brazil. It grows in rainforest and along river banks. It suits humid locations. It does best with a pH of 5.5-6.5. It needs a minimum of 1,500 mm rain per year. In Java it grows up to about 1,000 m above sea level. In XTBG Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Amazon, Andamans, Asia, Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Central Africa, Central African Republic, Central America, China, Colombia, Congo DR, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, East Africa, East Timor, Ethiopia, Fiji, Ghana, Guam, French Guiana, Guianas, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Laos, Liberia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Marianas, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, Northeastern India, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Singapore, South America (country/location of origin), Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad-Tobago, Uganda, Venezuela, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies

How it is used for food

CAUTION: The seeds are poisonous until treated. They contain cyanic poisons. The seeds are eaten after prolonged periods of boiling. They are also fermented. The young leaves are cooked and eaten.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Seeds, leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds. Seeds need to be planted fresh. They can also be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Caucho, Kawbat, Kyetpaung, Pohon karet brasil, Shiringa

Synonyms

Hevea brasiliensis var. - several; Hevea granthamii Bartlett; Siphonia janeirensis (Mull.Arg.) O. F. Cook; and several others