MODE OF OCCURRENCE OF CAOUTCHOUC IN THE GUAYULE, PARTHENIUM ARGENTATUM GRAY, AND ITS FUNCTION

Abstract

In the guayule the rubber occurs as a colloidal sus-pension in the parenchyma cells and is thus segregated. When the latex is observed microscopically, it is seen to be a rich suspension of minute particles in Brownian movement. A brief review of the literature indicates that latex is not merely a depositor of wastes. Evidence points to the conclusion (but experimental proof is lacking) that the latex of guayule is a reserve food substance that is made available by suitable enzymes and utilized in metabolism.