Skip to main content

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica Roxb) or the Indian Rubber Tree or Assam rubber, though not commercially viable now, is still trained as a living suspension bridge to ford streams in Meghalaya, India?

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica Roxb), Indian Rubber Tree 

Did you know that Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica Roxb) or the Indian Rubber Tree or Assam rubber, though not commercially viable now, is still trained as a living suspension bridge to ford streams in Meghalaya, India?

The Rubber Plant with botanical name Ficus elastica Roxb , known as Indian Rubber Tree or Assam Rubber, is native of South east Asia India in particular, where it grows as a large tree (30 to 50 m high) in the virgin forest (a forest in its natural state). It is now widely spread in the Eastern Himalayas, foothills from Nepal eastwards through Sikkim, Bhutan, ArunachaL Padesh, Assam and Khasi Hills (Meghalaya), upto 1200 m, formerly tapped in the wild for its rubber. It was planted commerically in the 19th century as source of rubber, but was supplanted soon after the domestication of Para Rubber tree, :Havea brasilensis". Now, the Rubber Plant is one of most familiar of tropical house-plants, being prized for its ornamental foliage. But it certainly does yield india rubber of a very excellent quality but of limited quantity to be commercially viable in view of many variants which have been extensively brought into cultivation in many parts of the world, including India. Particuarly in the state of Megahalaya (Khasi Hills) its roots which grow wildly are tamed to form suspension bridges to cross rivers and streams.

Indian Rubber Tree, also known as Caoutchouc tree, is an evergreen perennial, native to India, growing to 30 to 50 m tall and broad, with cupped leathery leaves and narrow spikes of white flowers. This tropical plant generally has thick stems and fleshy, variegated thick oblong leaves (upto 30cm). Flowers are yellow or brown cone-shaped spikes. Bears fig like fruits in pairs along branches. The trunk and stem exude a milky sap or latex. The species reproduces by seeds. However, reproduction requires a specific wasp pollinator (very rarely found), which may have helped to prevent the spread and invasion of this species.

When this plant is cut accidentally or in order to take a cutting , a white latex flows copiously from the cut wound. The plant grows initially as a woody climbing plant that hangs from trees, especially in tropical rainforests known as "the free-hanging stem of a liana", attracted by the light of sun. Only when hanging tree has reached the top on its host tree, it starts spreading into a crown canopy over its host tree. When the host dies, the rubber plant starts growing up on its own, reaching gigantic heights of 30 m to 50 m; often begins as an epiphyte (a plant that grows on another plant), eventually strangling its host before becoming a large banyan type fig tree. This species can grow in fairly very dark spot but in that case it will not usually branch. A more bushy plant can, however, be grown by taking out the top out of the plant at the appropriate time, particularly during early spring. The top itself can be propagated after the latex has beeen washed off. The tree can with stand temperatures ranging from 0-10 C in winter and 10-30 C in summer, and annual rainfall up to 200 cm.

Indian Rubber Tree leaves are normally dusted with a cloth dipped in buttermilk or a proprietary leaf gloss, which will give the leaves a beautiful sheen. In the past, the India rubber plant was the best selling ficus and over the years, it has given rise to many cultivars which are more commercially viable to grow.

Indian Rubber Plant is tapped at the age of 25 years. From that time till the trees are of age 50 , the yield is estimated to be about 40 pounds per tree every three or four years. Only about 40 trees of this species are stated to be advantageously planted on an acre of land, and on this basis the yiled of the rubber plant per acre might be estimated at about 500 pounds per year. It is no longer grown as a rubber producer even in its native habitat where other rubber producing trees have proved more profitable. 

The Ficus Elastica Ruby, similar to that of the Rubber Tree, also known as a variegated Rubber tree, is native to tropical regions of India and Malaysia and is stated to be commercially viable.
 
Rubber sap or latex is a pretty profound substance that has many benefits to plants. The latex-laden sap oozes from the wound and dries over the damaged part of the tree, forming a protective bandage of sorts to help the tree heal faster. Another benefit of latex is that it is known to be poisonous, or at least irritating, to many pests. Latex was harvested from ancient times to make homemade shoes, waterproof clothes, and balls for sports. Since then, there are more and more uses for natural rubber, putting it in mattresses, medical supplies, balloons, swim caps, rubber bands, and so much more.

The Global Compendium of Weeds has listed Indian Rubber Plant as an “environmental weed, garden thug, naturalised, weed”. 

Gardeners value this small, compact plant for its thick, waxy foliage, ornamental flowers and ease of care. It is still widely planted in city streets in most parts of the world (India and USA included) as an ornamental , and indoors plant in colder climates.

Narasipur Char 

Comments

Ayurveda and Panchakarma Clinic

Ayurveda and Panchakarma Clinic

Ayurveda and Panchakarma Clinic

Ayurveda and Panchakarma Clinic

Ayurveda and Panchakarma Clinic

Ayurveda and Panchakarma Clinic

Ayurveda and Panchakarma Clinic

Popular posts

केस गळणे थांबवण्यासाठी घरगुती उपाय (Home Remedies for Hair Loss)

नारळाचं तेल (Coconut oil) केस गळती थांबवण्यासाठी अतिशय गुणकारी आहे. जर केसांना नारळाच्या तेलाने मसाज केला तर प्रथिनांची क्षती रोखली जाते तसेच केस मऊ आणि सतेज होण्यास मदत होते. नारळाचे दूध डोक्यावर चोळल्यानेही असेच चांगले परिणाम दिसून येतात. केसांना कांद्याचा रस (onion juice) लावला तरी केसांच्या वाढीस मदत होते आणि पर्यायाने टक्कल कमी होण्यास मदत होते. मेथी (fenugreek) वाटून तिची पाण्यात पेस्ट केली आणि ती केसांना लावली तरी केस गळणे कमी होण्यास मदत होते. बीट आणि मेंदी (Beetroot and henna) पावडर ह्यांना एकत्र पाण्यात कालवून, त्यांची पेस्ट केसाला लावल्यास केस गळने कमी होते. कोरफड (aloe vera gel) केसांचे गळणे थांबवण्यासाठी अतिशय परिणामकारक आहे. कोरफडीचा गर केसाला लावल्यास केस गळणे थांबते तसेच केसांची वाढ होण्यास मदत होते आणि केस मऊ आणि मजबूत होतात. आवळ्याची पावडर आणि लिंबाचा रस डोक्याला लावल्यास केस गळण्याचे प्रमाण कमी होते तसेच केसांना चमक येते. रोजमेरीचे तेल (rosemary oil) केसांना लावल्यास केस गळणे कमी होते. शरीरातील लोहाचे प्रमाण कमी असल्यास केस गळण्याची समस्या उद्भवू शकते. त्यामुळे केस ...

ह्लद्य रोग

 आहारातून मिळणाऱ्या उष्माकांपैकी १० टक्के किंवा त्याहीपेक्षा कमी उष्मांक स्निग्ध पदार्थामधून आलेले असावेत. कोलेस्टेरॉल आणि कोलेस्टेरॉलयुक्त पदार्थ वज्र्य करावेत. रोजच्या आहारातून ५ मिलिग्रॅम कोलेस्टेरॉल खायला हरकत नाही, अगदी स्निग्धांशविरहित दुधातही (Skimmed Milk) मध्ये थोडेसे कोलेस्टेरॉल असते. संपृक्त स्निग्धांश (Saturated Fats) जवळजवळ वज्र्य करावेत. कोलेस्टेरॉलची पातळी कमी करण्याच्या दृष्टीनं उपयुक्त असलेले पदार्थ कांदा, लसूण, गाजर, वांगे, सोयाबीन, स्कीम मिल्क, दुधाचं दही, सफरचंद इतर नेहमी आहारात ठेवावे. 2. मांसाहार टाळावा. मटण, चिकन टाळावे. अंडय़ातील पिवळा भाग टाळावा. दुधाचे पदार्थ- मलई, तूप, लोणी, चीज, पनीर, मिठाई शक्यतो टाळावे. मिताहारी असावे. (Have a gentle hunger always) 3. सफरचंद नियमित सेवन केल्याने हृदयासाठी व रक्तवाहिन्यासाठी उपयुक्त ठरते. हे फायबर हृदय रोग टाळण्यासाठी मदत करते.  4. किमान पाच बदाम आणि चार अक्रोड नियमित खाल्ल्यामुळेही शरीराला पुरेसे फॅट, व्हिटॅमिन ई आणि कॅल्शियम मिळते. बदाम खाल्ल्याने हृदयरोग किमान २० टक्क्यांइतका दूर ठेवता येतो. अक्रोडात व्हिटॅमिन-ई...

उन्हाळ्यात तब्येत सांभाळा..!!

उष्ण व थंड पदार्थ कलिंगड - थंड सफरचंद - थंड चिकू - थंड  संत्री - उष्ण आंबा - उष्ण             लिंबू - थंड कांदा - थंड आलं/लसूण - उष्ण काकडी - थंड बटाटा - उष्ण पालक - थंड  टॉमेटो कच्चा - थंड कारले - उष्ण कोबी - थंड  गाजर - थंड  मुळा - थंड मिरची - उष्ण मका - उष्ण मेथी - उष्ण कोथिंबीर/पुदिना - थंड वांगे - उष्ण गवार - उष्ण भेंडी साधी भाजी - थंड बीट - थंड  बडीशेप - थंड  वेलची - थंड  पपई - उष्ण अननस - उष्ण  डाळींब - थंड  ऊसाचा रस बर्फ न घालता ...

विश्वास की शक्ति

विश्वास संकट के समय में ही काम आता है, यह अजीब है कि जब सबसे ज्यादा जरूरत होती है, तो विश्वास खो दिया जाता है! जानें कि विश्वास एक उपहार है, जो हमें जीवन की चुनौतियों का सामना करने की शक्ति देता है। आयुर्वेद जीवनशैली को अपनाकर, आप अपने जीवन में विश्वास की शक्ति को जगा सकते हैं, स्वस्थ आदतें, स्वस्थ जीवनशैली, उत्साह, प्रेम, खुशी, आनंद के साथ मिलकर। व्यायाम, प्राणायाम, प्रार्थना, योग, ध्यान, सकारात्मक दृष्टिकोण से भरा जीवन, आपको विश्वास की शक्ति से भर देगा, और आप जीवन की चुनौतियों का सामना करने के लिए तैयार हो जाएंगे। जब आप आयुर्वेद जीवनशैली को अपनाते हैं, तो आप अपने जीवन में विश्वास की शक्ति को जगाते हैं, आपका मन और शरीर दोनों स्वस्थ और मजबूत हो जाते हैं, और आप जीवन की चुनौतियों का सामना करने के लिए तैयार हो जाते हैं। आइए आज एक आनंदमय दिन की शुभकामना करें, खुश रहें, सफलता, खुशी, और सुंदर जीवन के पथ पर बढ़ें। आयुर्वेद जीवनशैली के साथ मिलकर, आपको विश्वास की शक्ति से भर देगा। आपका जीवन विश्वास से भरा हो, आपका जीवन सुंदर हो, आपका जीवन सफल हो, आपका जीवन खुशियों से भरा हो। शुभ दिन...

The secrets of Ayurvedic digestive health and discover a happier, healthier you.

The Secrets of Ayurvedic Digestive Health. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a holistic approach to health and wellness. One of the key areas of focus in Ayurveda is digestive health. In this blog, we'll explore how Ayurveda helps regulate digestion and prevents digestive disorders. The Importance of Digestion in Ayurveda In Ayurveda, digestion is considered the foundation of overall health. The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body. When digestion is impaired, it can lead to a range of health problems, including digestive disorders, fatigue, and even mental health issues. Ayurvedic Principles of Digestive Health. Ayurveda offers a unique perspective on digestive health, based on the concept of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha has its own characteristics and tendencies, and understanding your individual dosha can help you tailor your diet and lifestyle to support o...

घोरणे -- घरगुती उपाय.

घोरणे ही अनेक जणांची समस्या आहे. अनेक कारणांमुळे घोरण्याचा आजार होऊ शकतो. काही सावधगिरी बाळगुन आणि घरगुती इलाज करुन घोरण्यावर नियंत्रण आणता येऊ शकते. आज आपण पाहणार आहोत अशाच काही टिप्स ज्या घोरण्याची समस्या दूर करण्यात मदत करतील. 🍃 *१*. पंखा किंवा एसी खाली झोपू नका. पंखा किंवा एसीची सरळ हवा लागल्याने श्वास नलिका आकसतात. 🍃 *२.* भरपूर पाणी प्या शरीरात पाण्याच्या कमतरतेमुळे नाक आणि गळ्यामध्ये कफ वाढतो. ज्यामुळे श्वास घेण्यात अडचण येते. दिवसभर ३-४ लिटर पाणी प्या. 🍃 *३.* योग करा घोरण्याची समस्या दूर करण्यासाठी कपालभाति आणि प्राणायम फायदेशीर आहे. 🍃 *४.*आहारावर नियंत्रण ठेवा रात्रीच्या वेळी जास्त खाणे टाळा. झोपण्याआधी कफ वाढवणारे पदार्थ, जसे की दुध, ऑयली फूड, चॉकलेट किंवा गोड खाऊ नका. 🍃 *५.*रक्त दाबावर नियंत्रण ठेवा जर रक्त दाब सामान्यांपेक्षा जास्त असेल तर यामुळे घोरण्याची समस्या होऊ शकते. रक्त दाब नियंत्रणात असावा 🍃 *६.*वजन कमी करा घोरणे टाळण्यासाठी वजनावर नियंत्रण असणे खूप आवश्यक आहे. जास्त वजन असल्याने घोरण्याची समस्या होते. 🍃 *७.*लसूण मोहरीच्या तेलाने मालिश २-३ पाकळ्या लसूण मोहरीच...

Boost your immunity naturally with Ayurveda.

The Power of Ayurveda: Boosting Immunity Naturally. In today's world, where diseases and infections are on the rise, having a strong immune system is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a holistic approach to boosting immunity naturally. In this blog, we'll explore the ways in which Ayurvedic herbs and practices can enhance the body's natural defense system. Understanding the Immune System. Before we dive into the world of Ayurveda, let's take a brief look at how the immune system works. The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. When the immune system is functioning properly, it can effectively fight off infections and diseases. Ayurvedic Herbs for Boosting Immunity. Ayurveda offers a wealth of herbs that can help boost immunity naturally. Some of ...

Dr Aditi R Kulkarni Kalyan India

Dr Aditi R Kulkarni                M.D.Ayurved Mumbai Ayurved and Panchakarma Yog Therapy Consultant Gokul Nagari , Khadakpada Kalyan West Maharashtra India 421301 Contact No + 91 9821608335  

DR. VARMA K SREEVIRAJ DOMBIVLI INDIA

DR VARMA K SREEVIRAJ Ayurvedic Expert & Panchakarma Specialist With a passion for providing personalized Ayurvedic solutions,  Dr. Varma K. Sreeviraj is a renowned Ayurvedic expert with years of experience in treating various health problems. His expertise lies in Ayurvedic consultations, treatments, and Panchakarma therapy. Qualifications - B.A.M.S. (Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine, and Surgery) - D.Y.M.S. (Diploma in Yoga and Meditation Sciences) Clinics & Timings Dr. Varma operates from three clinics in Dombivli: 1. Gandhi Nagar Clinic     - Address: Plot No. 34, Varma Apts., Nr. Subhash Dairy & DNS Bank, Gandhi Nagar, Dombivli East, Maharashtra, India, Pin 421201     - Time: 1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m. 2. Dombivli East Clinic     - Address: Above Varma Stores, Opp. Kailash Mandir & Railway Station, Dombivli East, Maharashtra, India, Pin 421201     - Time: 10 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. & 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. 3. Dombivli West C...

Reduce inflammation naturally with Ayurveda.

Reducing Inflammation with Ayurveda: A Natural Approach to Pain Relief. Inflammation is a natural response of the body's immune system, but chronic inflammation can lead to debilitating pain and discomfort. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a natural approach to reducing inflammation and alleviating chronic pain. In this blog, we'll explore the Ayurvedic treatments and herbs that can help reduce inflammation and promote overall well-being. Understanding Inflammation Inflammation is a complex process that involves the immune system's response to injury or infection. While acute inflammation is a necessary response to injury, chronic inflammation can lead to a range of health problems, including arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. Ayurveda recognizes that inflammation is often caused by an imbalance of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Ayurvedic Treatments for Reducing Inflammation Ayurveda offers a range of treatments for reducin...