cauchú
Cauchú is a term with origins in the Quechua language, specifically from the word "kawchu," which means weeping or latex. It refers to a natural elastic substance obtained from the latex of certain plants, most notably the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). This latex is a milky fluid that the plant produces to seal wounds. When collected and processed, cauchú can be vulcanized, a chemical process involving sulfur, to create rubber, a material known for its elasticity, resilience, and water-resistant properties.
Historically, indigenous peoples in South America utilized cauchú for various purposes, including waterproofing, creating containers, and