Why called rubber plants - Ask Extension
Do rubber plants actually produce rubber or is it's name just because of it's rubbery or glossy leaves?
Knowledgebase
Why called rubber plants #215203
Asked October 01, 2014, 11:35 PM EDT
Do rubber plants actually produce rubber or is it's name just because of it's rubbery or glossy leaves?
Douglas County Colorado
Expert Response
Thank you for your question about the rubber plants.
The rubber houseplant, Ficus Elastica, does in fact yield a milky latex that was formerly used to make rubber. However, this is not to be confused with the Para Rubber Tree that is the main source of rubber production today. The latex is tapped from rubber trees. Click on the link below for a Youtube video about tapping rubber trees.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB5wdmbcI3o
Caution should be mentioned about the milky latex: it is an eye and skin irritant and can be fatal if ingested.
The rubber houseplant, Ficus Elastica, does in fact yield a milky latex that was formerly used to make rubber. However, this is not to be confused with the Para Rubber Tree that is the main source of rubber production today. The latex is tapped from rubber trees. Click on the link below for a Youtube video about tapping rubber trees.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB5wdmbcI3o
Caution should be mentioned about the milky latex: it is an eye and skin irritant and can be fatal if ingested.
