Q.53 Which of the following statements is/are CORRECT with reference to rubber
production from plants?
(A) Para rubber is produced from Hevea brasiliensis
(B) India rubber is produced from Ficus elastica
(C) Panama rubber is produced from Manihot glaziovii
(D) Ceara rubber is produced from Castilla elastica
All statements (A), (B), (C), and (D) are correct regarding rubber production from plants. Para rubber comes from Hevea brasiliensis, the primary global source of natural rubber latex. Other types like India, Panama, and Ceara rubber derive from specific plants historically used for latex extraction.
Option Analysis
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(A) Para rubber from Hevea brasiliensis: This tall tree native to Brazil yields high-quality latex via bark tapping, forming the basis of commercial rubber production worldwide, including in India.
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(B) India rubber from Ficus elastica: Known as the rubber fig or Indian rubber bush, this Southeast Asian species provided an inferior-grade rubber historically tapped in regions like Assam, India, though now mainly ornamental.
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(C) Panama rubber from Manihot glaziovii: Also called the Ceara rubber tree or tree cassava, this Brazilian Euphorbiaceae species produces latex suitable for rubber, cultivated as an alternative source.
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(D) Ceara rubber from Castilla elastica: This Panama rubber tree, native to Mexico and Central America, supplied latex to pre-Columbian Mesoamericans, processed into rubber by mixing with morning glory juice; it’s termed Ceara rubber in some contexts.
Rubber production from plants relies on latex from specific species, with Hevea brasiliensis dominating modern output at over 90% globally. Historical alternatives like India rubber, Panama rubber, and Ceara rubber supported early industries before Para rubber scaled up.
Major Rubber Types
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Para rubber (Hevea brasiliensis): Commercial staple from Amazon origins, tapped for milky latex yielding durable sheets after coagulation.
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India rubber (Ficus elastica): Southeast Asian fig tree with latex once used in Assam plantations; lower yield led to its decline.
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Panama rubber (Manihot glaziovii): Brazilian tree cassava providing viable latex, grown for fuel and rubber alternatives.
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Ceara rubber (Castilla elastica): Central American tree with bark latex processed traditionally; inferior to Para but culturally significant.
Cultivation Insights
India leads in Para rubber via Kerala plantations since 1902, producing 90% domestically. Non-Para types like Ceara and India rubber suit smaller-scale or historical tapping but face yield and quality limits. For CSIR NET aspirants, note these botanical matches for economic botany questions.
