Ficus elastica (Rubber Tree)

Native to parts of South and Southeast Asia, this evergreen tree grows in lowland and hill forests, including rocky and limestone sites. Aerial roots can reach the ground and thicken into supporting woody columns. Thick, glossy leaves are arranged spirally, with conspicuous midribs, while pink to purplish stipules protect emerging growth. Small, ellipsoidal figs develop beside the leaves and turn yellow when ripe. Its milky latex was historically used to make rubber. In Meghalaya, India, Khasi and Jaintia communities train the living aerial roots across rivers to form bridges. The roots thicken and can fuse together as they grow. The tree is also widely cultivated for its foliage. Photographed in Colombia.