Rubber Wood:

The hevea tree is, of course better known as the source of latex. It became known as rubber because of its propensity to erase or "rub out" pencil marks.

It originated in Brazil as the name suggests and was smuggled out and transplanted in British equatorial colonies, notably South East Asia. Nowadays it flourishes here in strictly managed plantations.

There are over 4 billion trees supplying virtually all of the world's natural rubber. However the hevea tree will only yield latex for a given period and then it has to be felled to make way for new trees to be planted.

Historically the felled timber was used as firewood but over the last 30 years its beauty as a timber for furniture and small household items has been truly appreciated. By its very nature it is the original "ecologically sustainable" source.