Plants in this family, which include the rubber tree, castor oil plant and the cassava shrub, are typified by small blossoms, the researchers comment.

BBC: NEWS | Science/Nature | Family found for gigantic flowers

Gambassi also developed a durable, sticky resin from a Para rubber tree plant, to bind the sole to the top of Brough's stiletto and platform heels.

FORBES: Fancy Footwork

Gibson has invested in a Malaysian company, Green Tree Rubber, that disposes of tires in an eco-friendly way.

FORBES: Around The World In Eight Days

When a neighbor reported her mail stolen, I began imagining black-coated thieves with rubber gloves waiting in the bushes on my quiet, tree-lined street.

WSJ: Paper Shredders: Finding Shredded Bliss