Rubberwood is a light-colored medium-density tropical hardwood obtained from the Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), usually from trees grown in rubber plantations. Rubberwood is commonly advertised as an "environmentally friendly" wood, as it makes use of plantation trees that have already served a useful function.
The rubberwood used in furniture comes from the tree that produces latex. They're also called rubber trees, parawood, Asian hardwood, plantation hardwood or Hevea brasiliensis. Native to Brazil, these trees often grow on plantations with lots of production throughout Asia. The trees mature after about nine years.
Rubberwood varies from nearly white to yellow or cream in color. It has dense, straight grain with a coarse texture similar to that of oak. The grain, however, is symmetrical as opposed to oak's wavy patterns. Rubberwood's color is similar to teak, but much lighter.