Gutta-Percha
Palaquium guttafam. Papaveraceae
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Pl. 8548 — Palaquium gutta
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IOverview
Overview
Gutta-Percha, scientifically known as Palaquium gutta, is a large evergreen tree native to the tropical regions of Borneo, Jawa, Malaya, and Sumatera. This plant thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows up to 20 meters tall and is known for its edible latex, which has been harvested for centuries. The tree's distinctive feature lies in the milky white latex it produces, a valuable resource used in various applications including rubber production.
Quick answers
What is Gutta-Percha?
Gutta-Percha, scientifically known as Palaquium gutta, is a large evergreen tree native to the tropical regions of Borneo, Jawa, Malaya, and Sumatera. This plant thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Gutta-percha thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a minimum temperature range of 10-12°C. The plant grows to a height of 20 meters and produces edible parts from its seeds. For successful cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
20.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Gutta-Percha for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple gutta-percha sapling to ensure success in your first planting attempt.
- 1
What you'll need
A young gutta-percha sapling, well-draining soil, and a large container or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant the sapling in spring when temperatures are consistently above 15°C (59°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a mix of light, medium, and heavy soil types. Ensure good drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling into its prepared container or garden bed gently to avoid damaging roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place in a sunny location.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize sparingly with balanced plant food.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Focus on pruning to maintain shape and remove dead branches, as gutta-percha is not commonly harvested for its fruit or leaves.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in a location with insufficient sunlight, and using heavy soil that doesn't drain well.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The gutta-percha tree's seeds are edible. They can be eaten raw or roasted and are sometimes used in local cuisines. Skip the detailed preparation methods as they were not provided.
Other uses:LumbertextilesLightingSoap makingTeeth
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 4 native
Broader regions
native:Borneo, Jawa, Malaya, Sumatera
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 (Papaveraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Papaveraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 8548c3c9-7d6a-4cb3-b214-3b30be5e1f07
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