Hevea brasiliensis, like many plants produces latex that oozes from injuries to the stem in the form of a milky sap. Latex is produced by special cells called laticifers and is thought to be a defence against insect pathogens and possibly a medium for depositing metabolic waste of the tree. Latex flows from the living parts of a rubber tree in response to wounding, tapping being in fact controlled wounding using the sap for the manufacture of rubber without seriously damaging the tree (Edgar, 1947). Tapping is carried out preferably early in the morning as it produces more latex.
