India Rubber Tree

Funtumia elastica

NAME: Funtumia elastica

FAMILY: Apocynaceae

COMMON NAMES: India Rubber Tree, Assam Rubber

LOCAL NAMES: Ire ,Mba

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Funtumia elastica is a large evergreen tree belonging to the family Apocynaceae. It can grow up to 60 meters in height and has a straight, cylindrical trunk with smooth bark. The leaves are simple, opposite, and elliptical in shape, with a dark green color and a glossy texture. The tree produces small, cream-colored flowers that are arranged in clusters. The flowers give rise to oval-shaped fruit capsules filled with seeds embedded in a sticky latex sap.

USEFUL PART(s): The latex sap obtained from Funtumia elastica is the most valuable part of the plant.

GENERAL USES:

  1. Rubber Production: Funtumia elastica is one of the primary sources of natural rubber. The latex sap obtained from the tree contains rubber polymers that can be processed into rubber. This rubber is widely used in the production of tires, latex products, adhesives, and various industrial applications.

  2. Medicinal Uses: In traditional medicine, different parts of Funtumia elastica, such as the bark and leaves, are used to treat various health conditions. The bark is known for its astringent and antidiarrheal properties, while the latex sap is used topically for treating skin ailments.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Funtumia elastica is native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and is found in countries such as India, Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia. It has also been introduced to other parts of the world, including Africa and the Americas, for rubber production.

WHY IS IT GREEN? Funtumia elastica, like other plants, appears green due to the presence of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a pigment found in the chloroplasts of plant cells that absorbs sunlight and plays a crucial role in photosynthesis. Through photosynthesis, plants convert light energy, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose (sugar) and oxygen.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Funtumia elastica has positive environmental impacts. As a large tree species, it provides habitat for various animals, contributes to biodiversity, and helps in maintaining the ecological balance of forest ecosystems. Additionally, rubber plantations established for Funtumia elastica can help reduce pressure on natural forests by providing a sustainable source of rubber.

FUN FACT: The latex sap of Funtumia elastica played a significant role in the development of the global rubber industry. During the 19th century, the extraction and commercialization of rubber from Funtumia elastica became a major economic activity, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Further Reading: For more information on Funtumia elastica, you may refer to the following sources:

  1. [Example Source 1]