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castilloa rubber
Scientific Name: Castilla elastica ssp. elastica
Family: Moraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Castilla elastica: The Panama Rubber Tree
Castilla elastica, commonly known as the Panama rubber tree or castilloa, is a tree species historically significant as a source of rubber. This plant has several interesting aspects related to its history, distribution, and potential uses.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions the extraction of latex from Castilla elastica.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Castilla elastica
- Common Names: Panama rubber tree, castilloa, Mexican rubber tree, Central American rubbertree, uletree
- Family: Moraceae
- Kingdom: Magnoliopsida
- Rank: Species
- Synonyms: castilloa rubber
- Subspecies: Castilla elastica Sess subsp. elastica, C.C.Berg Castilla elastica ssp. elastica
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the tropical areas of Mexico and Central America.
- Also found in India, Zanzibar, the West Indies, and Venezuela.
Morphological Characteristics
- Described as a tall, well-shaped tree.
- The tree has a smooth, greenish-white trunk.
- Fruits are small and white, ripening around the end of May.
Ecological Role
- Mentioned in connection with rubber production and plantations in regions like Indonesia.
Traditional Uses
- Historically, and still today, used as a source of natural rubber (also known as Indiarubber or Caoutchouc).
- Latex extraction is mentioned, although the text also notes some difficulty and uncertainty in commercial development.
Quirky Facts
- The fruits of the Castilla elastica are small and white.
Further Information
- The USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database is a resource for information and images of Castilla elastica.