What is Hevea brasiliensis used for?
The forest tree Hevea brasiliensis, native to the Amazonian rainforest, has been grown in Asia and Africa for over a century to produce natural rubber, a raw material used for the manufacture of a range of products, especially tires.
What is the common name for Hevea brasiliensis?
rubber tree
rubber tree, (Hevea brasiliensis), South American tropical tree of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae).
Where does Hevea brasiliensis grow?
Amazon region
Hevea brasiliensis is a species of rubberwood that is native to rainforests in the Amazon region of South America, including Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. These trees are generally found in low-altitude moist forests, wetlands, riparian zones, forest gaps, and disturbed areas.
How is the Hevea brasiliensis grown?
The seed is often sown in situ – usually 2 or more seeds per hole are planted, and then the seedlings are selectively thinned[303 ]. The seeds can also be planted in a nursery bed. Seeds germinate in 1 – 3 weeks, depending on climatic conditions and freshness[303 ].
How do you grow Hevea brasiliensis?
It grows best in areas where the mean annual temperature is in the range 23 – 35°c, and a mean annual rainfall of 1,500 – 3,000mm, though it can tolerate up to 4,000mm[303 ]. In some areas, rubber can tolerate a 2 – 3 month period of drought[303 ]. Prefers a fertile, moisture-retentive soil in light shade[307 ].
Is rubber the same as latex?
The term ‘rubber’ refers to durable, waterproof and elastic material made from natural or synthetic latex. Where rubber is usually the finished product, latex refers to the liquid form; a stable emulsion of polymer microparticles in an aqueous solution.
What type of fruit is Hevea brasiliensis?
The rubber tree starts bearing fruit at four years of age. Each fruit contains three or four seeds, which fall to the ground when the fruit ripens and splits. Each tree yields about 800 seeds (1.3 kg) twice a year. The seed consists of a thin hard shell and a kernel containing oil used in various industries.
What is the difference between latex and natural latex?
Synthetic latex is a blend of latex and fillers which make the synthetic latex less durable and more carcinogenic. Natural Latex can also contain fillers and most natural latex mattresses do. Actually, most Natural Latex in the mattress marketplace is synthetic.
What type of latex commonly causes latex allergies?
Natural rubber latex is a milky fluid found in rubber trees. There is a protein in the fluid that can cause allergic reactions in some people. Common products made using this natural rubber latex include gloves, condoms, rubber bands, and balloons.
What is an organic latex mattress?
A mattress made from organic latex does not contain any chemicals, synthetics, pesticides, herbicides, or other man-made products.
What is Rebonded latex?
What is rebonded latex? A rebonded latex mattress uses shredded pieces of natural latex bonded together in one mattress. Hence, it is firmer and more supportive. Support human spine in a natural way. Great sensation feeling of comfort.
Is latex allergy genetic?
Repeated exposure to latex may increase sensitivity. People with a personal or family history of allergies. You’re at increased risk of latex allergy if you have other allergies — such as hay fever or a food allergy — or they’re common in your family.