Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) Tree description and natural occurrence In its natural state, rubberwood is a large hardwood occurring in the tropical evergreen rainforests of Brazil, Bolivia and the Guianas.

After initial plantings in Sri Lanka, it has been extensively planted in many tropical countries around the world, for the production of latex (natural rubber).  At the time of felling, usually 25 years, the trees have a clear bole of more than 10 m and a diameter of 25-45 cm.

Most rubberwood is produced in Indonesia and Malaysia, the latter having 2.0 million hectares of rubber plantations and producing 45 % of total world rubber production.

Wood appearance

Colour. The sapwood is not differentiated from the heartwood.  The timber is whitish yellow when freshly cut and seasons to cream, straw or light brown, often with a pinkish tinge.

Grain. Straight to shallowly interlocked or wavy grain, moderately coarse but even texture.

Stress Grades. F4, F5, F7, (unseasoned), F5, F7, F8, F11 (seasoned), when visually stress graded in accordance with AS2082-2000, ‘Visually stress-graded hardwood for structural purposes.’

Shrinkage to 12% MC. Not available.

Unit Shrinkage. Not available.

Durability. Class 4 – Suitable for use only in continuously dry situations under cover, well ventilated, clear of the ground and fully protected from the weather and other dampness. 

Lyctid Susceptibility. Untreated sapwood susceptible to lyctid borer attack.

Preservation.  Sapwood readily accepts preservative impregnation, but penetration of heartwood is variable using currently available commercial processes.

Seasoning. Seasons rapidly, but prone to distortion thus requiring careful stacking and drying.  Very stable in service.

Hardness. Firm (rated 4 on a 6 class scale) in relation to indentation and ease of working with hand tools.

Machining. Rubberwood is easy to saw, cross-cut, plane, turn and bore.  Sharp cutting edges should be maintained to avoid ‘woolliness’.

Fixing. Preboring is recommended prior to nailing.

Decorative. Panelling, balustrading, parquetry, joinery, turnery.  Seen extensively in the Australian furniture market as indoor furniture e.g. dining suites, bar stools and rocking chairs.

Others. Particleboard, knife blocks, cheese boards, salad bowls, trays.

Identification features

Wood structure

Vessels. Small to medium size, generally arranged in short radial multiples with few solitary and occasional clusters.  Vessel lines conspicuous on longitudinal face.

Resin Canals. Numerous.  Prominent as lines on dressed longitudinal surfaces.

Parenchyma. Distinct regularly spaced bands forming a net-like pattern with the rays.

Rays. Fine to medium, readily visible with a lens.

Other features

Deposits. Tyloses present.

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