Propagated by seeds or bud grafting. Seeds only viable for a short period and should be sown immediately after harvesting. Germinate in shaded beds and transfer to the nursery soon after germination where they are either planted in the ground or in perforated polythene bag. Weed control required and legume covering recommended after transplanting. Intolerant of swampy conditions. Harvest and replant after 30-35 years to maintain economic viability. Prune and remove unwanted suckers. Mulch before the end of the late rains. Fertilizer recommended. Trees can be tapped when 50-70% of the trees measure 150 cm height from the base with a girth size of at least 45 cm (15 cm diameter). Bark is cut from top left (at 150 cm height) to bottom right
Tree Species (Scientific Name)
Hevea brasiliensis
Food
Fuelwood
Lumber
Product
English Common Name
Rubber Tree
Indonesian Common Name
Karet
Tree Family
Euphorbiaceae
Average Leaf Size (cm)
27cm
Length
×
8.25cm
Width
Tree Height
Large (> 35m)
Elevational Range (m)
0–500m
Distribution
Native
Exotic
Exotic in Indonesia
Native to
Region
Americas
Exotic in
SE Asia
Cambodia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Thailand
Indonesia
Borneo, Java, Sumatra
Coffee Agroforestry Information
Coffee System
Robusta
Arabica
Coffee Impact
May compete with coffee
Prevalence
Common in Coffee Agroforestry
Cultivation
Planted
Regeneration
Requires Propagation
Tree Management
Tree Benefits and Uses
Farmer Uses
- Food
- Fuelwood
- Lumber
- Product
The latex is used for rubber and as a crop, and the oil and fruit are used and consumed. Its wood is used to make furniture, chipboard, medium density fiber board, parquet and many other wood products. The seeds contain a semi-drying oil that can be used in making paints and soap.
Farm Services
- Unknown
Biodiversity Benefits
Unknown