CHAPTER III 



THE PHYSIOLOGY OF LATEX PRODUCTION 



RUBBER is derived from a milky liquid, known as 

 latex, which occupies a special series of channels in the 

 cortex, or inner bark of a number of different species of 

 plants. The proportion of rubber contained in the 

 latex varies greatly in different species. In many latices 

 rubber is almost or entirely wanting, its place being 

 taken by various resinous substances. The majority of 

 the plants in which the latex contains a large proportion 

 of rubber are either trees, or shrubs, or woody climbers. 

 Before considering the origin and functions of latex, 

 we propose to describe in very brief outline the structure 

 and functions of those parts of a woody plant or tree 

 which are directly or indirectly affected when the latex 

 is removed by the operation of tapping. 



The Structure and Functions of the Vegetative Organs. 



What are known as the vegetative organs of a tree, 

 as opposed to the organs specially concerned with 

 reproduction, may be divided into leaves, stem and 

 roots. The functions of the roots to take the last 



