PI. 238. 





A RUBBER-PRODUCING VINE IN THE EVERGLADES. 



(Cryptostegia grandiflora.) 



There appear to be difficulties which have not yet been overcome in the profitable cultiv;i:nm 

 rubber-producing vines. The Cryptostegia has certain features about it which make it wort I 

 of the attention of those interested in rubber production, and it may not be too much to b 

 that some one will devise labor-saving methods which will make the cultivation of this 

 profitable, utilizing, perhaps, the wood pulp and the floss from the pods as secomlaryj>roduci 

 Since its introduction, it has become established on the keys of Florida and in the Everglad 

 near Davie, where the specimen photographed was growing. It has grown vigorously, n 

 being injured by flooding. Mr. Robert Werner is holding up one of the strange-shaped, near 

 ripe pods, while just below his fingers the white latex, which is produced in abundance,! 

 flowing from several incisions. The rubber of Cryptostegia, which is contained to the amou 

 of 2 per cent dry weight in the twigs and leaves, is reported to be hardly equal to ( 

 rubber, although its general qualities are encouraging. (Photographed by David Fairchi' 

 February 6, 1916; P20012FS.) 



