section_path: Varieties/Amazonian rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis)
section_name: Amazonian rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis)
paragraph_text: Amazonian rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis)
  
  The major commercial source of natural rubber latex is the Amazonian rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), a member of the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. Once native to Brazil, the species is now pan-tropical. This species is preferred because it grows well under cultivation. A properly managed tree responds to wounding by producing more latex for several years.