Accession #: 200202487
Accession Date: 2002-11-18
Common name: Para Rubber Tree
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Synonym(s): <i>Siphonia brasiliensis</i> Willd. ex A.Juss.
Country of Origin: South America
Description: This tree reaches 120 ft (36 m) in its natural habitat along the Amazon and Orinoco rivers in South America but elsewhere it seldom exceeds 60 ft (18 m). The thick, leathery leaves are divided into 3 leaflets and the greenish white perfumed flowers are insignificant. These flowers appear before or with new growth, which is a distinctive bronze-purple. It is rarely grown other than in commercial plantations or in botanical gardens.
Uses: In Brazil used for an insect repellant and soap.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Plant Uses are for informational purposes only. EEB Greenhouses assume no responsibility for adverse effects from the use of any plants referred to on this site. Always seek advice from a professional before using any plant medicinally.
USDA Zone: 11-12
Source: Marcia Kirinus - Duke
Provenance:
Duke Acc#02-090 Plants recieved at Duke from Tom Hecker (Butterfly Conservatory) who recieved seed from Malaysia and grew them on.
Restrictions:
Culture:
Tropical heat and humidity are essential to the commercial cultivation of these trees, although they will survive in large heated greenhouses where they should be pruned in late winter to restrict size and maintain a neat shape. They need moist, free-draining soil and part-shade in the heat of summer. Propagate from fresh seed.