BENEFITS
- Natural latex producer (yearly extraction)
- Good “wood” properties (uniform cellular structure, stable, flexible, and relatively dense – akin to Maple)
- Resistant to fungus, bacteria and mold
- High growth density (approx. 90 trees per acre)
CURRENT USE
Historically, the wood from the harvested rubber trees were used as a cheap source for wood fuel (brick burning, tobacco curing, etc.), until the research and manufacturing development was done to make the relatively unstable wood, more suitable for Timber production. Due to the relative ease and cost-effectiveness of harvesting trees that are grown in a plantation format, and that are harvested as a by-product from the latex extracting rubber production, rubberwood has become one of Southeast Asia most successful wood exports. The uses of rubber wood have grown tremendously, and its’ commercial value has increased significantly due to its’ inclusion into a multitude of wood based products, including wood-based panels, particle-board, parquet wood flooring, kitchen items, etc.
FUTURE USE
The future of the rubber tree is pretty solid due the economic viability of the product, the shear quantity of plantations in growth and being invested in, and the flexibility of use/applications that the rubber wood can be used for. Cross-breeding Hevea clones to allow for greater latex production is being proactively studied, which in turn, through the process, could also increase the quality of timber being produced. There are no signs of a waning interest in rubber wood both for latex production or wood product fabrication – the sky seems to be the limit for applicable product uses.
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