Hevea

Hevea benthamiana

Physical Characteristics

Hevea benthamiana is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Northern S. America - northern Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - cooked[587 ]. Poisonous raw, the seeds are boiled for 24 hours, then the liquid is strained off[587 ]. The mass that remains has somewhat the colour and consistency of rice that has been boiled a long time[587 ]. The seeds are commonly used by some native people, though other tribes view them only as famine foods when better foods are not available[587 ].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

The seeds contain cyanic compounds are poisonous to humans unless treated[587 ]. See notes on edible uses below[K ].