Rubber Tree
Reaching as high as 130 feet, the rubber tree is recognized for its milky white sap, commonly called latex. Sometimes called rubberwood, the tree is tapped for latex at six-years-old and reproduces by scattering its seeds as far as 100 feet from itself.
Habitation: Located in the Amazon region of South America including Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia.
Heliconia
This colourful rainforest plant has 40 different species with paddle-shaped leaves that are part of the banana family. Also known as lobster claws or parrot flowers. The plant structure has “bracts,” which is a colourful leaf that comes in pink, orange, yellow, green, purple or red. Bracts actually hide the plant’s flowers tucked inside of them, protecting the nectar so only certain birds, like the hummingbird, can reach it. Butterflies also enjoy the sweet nectar.
Habitation: Found in the Neotropics including southern Mexico, Central and South America and the West Indies.
Stay tuned for our fourth and final part!