CHAPTER IX 



THE CULTIVATION OF SPECIES OTHER THAN 

 HEVEA BRASILIENSIS 



ALTHOUGH Hevea brasiliensis is universally recog- 

 nised as the plantation rubber tree par excellence y 

 several other kinds of rubber-producing plants are used 

 extensively for the same purpose. In spite of its 

 hardiness, the adaptability of Hevea is limited, and in 

 dry climates Manihot Glaziovii is probably to be pre- 

 ferred. In fact, extensive plantations of the last named 

 species have already been opened in the drier regions 

 of Africa as well as in its native country, the Ceara 

 province of Brazil. In the moist climate of West Africa 

 Funtumia is said to be quite as successful in plantations 

 as Hevea, although the evidence upon the subject is 

 somewhat restricted. Finally, in Mexico large planta- 

 tions of the indigenous Castilloa have been established. 

 Here, however, it is doubtful whether the planters would 

 not have been better advised to introduce Hevea, since 

 the climatic conditions suitable for the two trees are 

 closely similar. 



