LATEX-PRODUCING PLANTS 



361 



Rubber production in South America differs considerably 

 from production on East Indian plantations even though the 

 same tree is used in both instances. In South America, collection 

 is almost entirely from wild trees in the jungles of the Amazon 

 region. They are linked by trails, and native collectors tap the 

 trees and collect the latex. Trees are tapped in the early morning 

 by cutting a diagonal notch in the bark with a small hand axe, 

 and the exuding latex is collected in a small tin cup attached 

 below the wound. Several cuts may be made on the same tree, 

 and the operation is repeated twice weekly for six months or 

 more, after which the trees are allowed a resting period of several 



Fig. 237. — The Brazilian rubber tree has inconspicuous flowers in contrast with 

 large three-parted leaves. 



seasons during which time the bark is renewed. With proper care, 

 trees may produce for fifty years or more. Coagulation of the 

 collected latex is accomplished by repeatedly dipping a stick or 

 paddle into the latex and then rotating the film in a dense, oily 

 smoke made by burning the fruits of a palm, or other plant 

 materials. This is continued until a large ball of rubber, weighing 

 one hundred pounds or more, has been formed. It is sold to 

 rubber buyers in this form. Rubber gathered in this manner is 

 rather impure, due to lack of care in collection and coagulation, 

 and contains about 15% water. 



The Brazilian rubber tree is now grown extensively under 

 plantation conditions, where it dominates the world's rubber 



