Commercial rubber

HE commercial rubber tree is a member of the ficus, from the Amazon’s rainforest region. Latex, the primary source of natural rubber, is a system of substances in certain plants – particularly the fig and euphorbia families. It comprises suspended particles of rubber, and its purpose is to protect the plant against pests and diseases, and seal any injuries. It can also cause temporary blindness if it gets into the eyes of browsing animals – or gardeners!