Back
Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A.Juss.) Müll.Arg.
| Family Name: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Common Name: | Para Rubber, Rubber Tree, Pokok Getah, Hevea, Pokok Getah Para, Brazilian Rubber Tree |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Medium (16m-30m)) |
|---|---|
| Plant Shape | Oval |
| Maximum Height | 20 m to 25 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 22 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Tropical South America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Spontaneous (Naturalised)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a medium sized deciduous tree which has a oblong to conical crown shape that spreads out near the top of the tree. |
|---|---|
| Trunk | Trunk is smooth, straight and grey. Sticky white latex is produced when bark is cut or damaged. |
| Foliage | Compound leaves 30-60cm, having 3 outward pointing boat-shaped leaflets joined to a long stalk. Leaves change from green to orange-brown before shedding. |
| Flowers | Occurring in small bunches, flower is small, unisexual, pale yellowish coloured, bell-shaped and slightly scented. Female flowers are slightly bigger than male flowers. |
| Fruit | Fruit is a woody capsule with 3-lobed, and about 5 cm diameter. When it dries, it explodes with a loud sound resembling the sound of a gun-shot, "firing" the 3 seeds away from the parent plant. Seed is about 2.5 cm wide and has a beautiful marbled appearance. |
| Cultivation | Full sun, will perform well on most soils as long as there is adequate drainage. Propagation by fresh seeds. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Cultural / Religious: Heritage Tree: There is currently 1 individuals of Hevea brasiliensis listed as Heritage Trees in Singapore. To find out more about this tree, please visit the Heritage Tree Register. Others: Introduced to Malaya by the British as an alternative source of latex for making natural rubber products. As natural rubber fell out of use, this tree is now of little economic value. However, the wood can be used to make furniture and packing crates. |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic (Explosive Dehiscence) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Spiral |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.0 (Tree - Intermediate Canopy) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown |
|---|---|
| Fruit Type | Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1660 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2953 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |