Rubber Fig: The Fascinating Story of Ficus Elastica
Ficus elastica, commonly known as the rubber fig or Indian rubber tree, is far more than just a beautiful houseplant. With roots stretching deep into the rainforests of Nepal, Bhutan, northeastern India, Java, Sumatra, and the Malay Archipelago, this remarkable species has played an important role in ecology, industry, and even traditional engineering. Though it’s now a common sight in homes and cities around the world, the story of the rubber fig is one of survival, adaptability, and extraordinary usefulness.