The Rubber Tree/Preface
Why rubber trees are grown
The rubber tree is grown because rubber is made from the latex in its bark.
The rubber tree has roots made up of a tap- root and creeping roots.
In the bark of the rubber tree there is a liquid called latex.
The latex is harvested by making a slit in the bark, that is, by cutting a piece of bark.
The latex makes the rubber that is used:
- in the tires of bicycles, motorcars and airplanes;
- for the soles of shoes;
- for many other things.
Rubber is in great demand all over the world; more and more of it is needed.
But it is very difficult to grow rubber trees well and to harvest the latex.
They cannot be grown everywhere.
They need:
- a high temperature
- plenty of water
- moist air, though they can withstand a dry season
Where rubber trees are grown
Rubber trees are grown in regions that are hot and moist, that is:
- in Africa (250 000 tons of natural rubber)
- in Central and South America (31 700 tons of natural rubber)
- in Asia, which is the chief producer (3 207 100 tons of natural rubber).
In Africa they are grown mainly in the forest regions.
In Africa the chief producers of natural rubber are:
|
Liberia |
100 000 tons |
|
Nigeria |
80 000 tons |
|
Zaire |
35 675 tons |
|
Ivory Coast |
18 000 tons |
|
Cameroon |
12 000 tons |
|
Central African Empire |
1 250 tons |
|
Ghana |
1 700 tons |
|
Mali |
1 100 tons |
|
Congo |
160 tons |
These production Figures (for 1974) are from the FAO Production Yearbook 1974.
To grow good rubber trees and harvest plenty of latex, you must:
- prepare the seedlings well
- make a good plantation
- look after the plantation
- harvest the latex well
| Authors | Ericblazek |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-3.0 |
| Cite as | Ericblazek (2006–2025). "The Rubber Tree/Preface". Appropedia. Retrieved June 4, 2026. |