Distribution
Asia-Tropical, Southern America, from Mexico to Costa Rica present
Central America, from Mexico to Costa Rica; introduced in Malesia, mainly in botanical gardens.
Uses
In Java, Sumatra, and the Philippines (still?) used as shade tree in cacao and coffee plantations.
Notes
From this particular subspecies (known as Caucho, Central American Rubber or Panama Rubber) rubber has been extracted commercially and introduced to many tropical countries, but was soon eclipsed by the commercial success of Hevea brasiliensis.
