Hevea
Hevea benthamianafam. Euphorbiaceae
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Pl. CF23 — Hevea benthamiana
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IOverview
Overview
Hevea benthamiana, commonly known as Hevea, belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is native to the northern regions of Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. This tree can grow up to 20 meters in height and thrives in moist conditions with a preference for light or partial sun. It is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, medium, and clay soils. Known for its edible seeds, Hevea plays an important role in the local ecosystem and provides valuable nutrition. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow well in areas with varying levels of sunlight, making it a versatile addition to landscapes or agricultural settings.
Quick answers
What is Hevea?
Hevea benthamiana, commonly known as Hevea, belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is native to the northern regions of Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. This tree can grow up to 20 meters in height and thrives in moist conditions with a preference for light or partial sun.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Hevea prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It can grow up to 20 meters tall and is hardy in zones 10-12. For propagation, the plant can be grown from seed. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for best results.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
20.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Hevea for the first time
8steps
Start with Hevea as a simple, low-maintenance tree for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, potting mix, containers if planting in pots.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Hevea during the rainy season when temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soils. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors in small pots until they germinate, then transplant to larger containers or directly into the garden after the last frost.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to protect young seedlings from intense sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Provide full sun for best growth but avoid direct afternoon sun in hot climates.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Focus on pruning to maintain shape and remove dead branches; Hevea is not typically harvested for its fruit or seeds.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun without partial shade, neglecting regular watering during dry periods.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The Hevea plant's seeds are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are often prepared by boiling to make a nutritious meal. Skip the detailed preparation steps as per the data provided.
Other uses:textiles
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 3 native
Americas2 regions
native (2)ColombiaVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Brazil North
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Euphorbiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Euphorbiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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