Kumipuu

Kumipuu is a term used in Finnish that translates to "rubber tree." It generally refers to trees that produce a latex, a milky sap that can be processed into various rubber products. The most well-known and commercially significant kumipuu is the Hevea brasiliensis, also known as the Para rubber tree. This tree is native to the Amazon rainforest and is the primary source of natural rubber worldwide.

The harvesting of latex from kumipuu involves a process called tapping. This typically involves making a shallow incision in the bark of the tree, allowing the latex to flow out and be collected in a cup. The collected latex is then processed to remove impurities and coagulate it into solid rubber. This natural rubber has a wide range of applications, including in tires, gloves, footwear, and many other industrial and consumer goods.

While Hevea brasiliensis is the most prominent example of kumipuu, other plant species also produce latex. However, they are generally not as commercially viable for large-scale rubber production due to lower yields or different latex properties. The cultivation of kumipuu trees has been historically important for economies in tropical regions, and the rubber industry has played a significant role in global trade and industrial development.