You get rubber from a rubber tree mainly by collecting a sticky, milky liquid called latex through a process known as "tapping."
The Process of Tapping Rubber Trees
Rubber is primarily harvested from trees like the Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) in the form of latex. This latex is a white, sticky, and milky substance.
The method used to extract this valuable fluid is called tapping. It involves carefully making incisions in the bark of the rubber tree. These cuts are typically shallow and made at an angle to allow the latex to flow out.
- Making Incisions: A specialized tool, often called a tapping knife, is used to make a precise cut into the bark, just deep enough to reach the latex vessels without damaging the underlying wood.
- Collecting the Fluid: Small vessels, such as cups or buckets, are attached below the incision to catch the dripping latex. The milky fluid slowly flows down the cut and into the collection vessel.
- Regular Harvesting: Tapping is usually done early in the morning when the latex flow is strongest. A single tree can be tapped regularly for many years.
Here's a simple breakdown:
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prepare | Select a mature rubber tree. | Ensure the tree is ready for production. |
| 2. Incise | Make a cut in the bark (the "tapping cut"). | Open the latex vessels within the bark. |
| 3. Collect | Place a vessel below the cut. | Capture the dripping latex. |
| 4. Gather | Collect the latex from the vessels. | Obtain the raw material for rubber production. |
This collected latex is the raw material that is then processed into various types of rubber used in countless products, from tires to gloves.
