Kumipuusta

Kumipuusta is a Finnish term that translates to "rubber tree" or more specifically, *Hevea brasiliensis*, the species from which natural rubber is derived. This tree is native to the Amazon rainforest and has become a globally significant agricultural commodity. The tree is a medium-sized to large perennial, reaching heights of up to 30 meters (100 feet) in its natural habitat. Its most notable feature is the latex, a milky white sap, which is harvested by making incisions in the bark. This latex is the primary source of natural rubber, a highly elastic and versatile material.

The cultivation of kumipuusta has spread far beyond its native Amazonian range. Due to economic and historical factors, plantations were established in Southeast Asia, Africa, and other tropical regions. The process of latex collection, known as tapping, is typically done by skilled workers who carefully make shallow cuts into the bark, allowing the latex to ooze into collection cups. The collected latex is then processed to remove water and other impurities, eventually forming the raw rubber that is used in a vast array of products, including tires, gloves, footwear, and many other industrial and consumer goods. The economic importance of kumipuusta plantations is substantial, providing livelihoods for millions and playing a key role in the global supply chain for rubber-based products.