Subtropical and tropical regions of Mexico and the West Indies south to tropical South America. Picrodendraceae Small ex Britt. 2 genus and 7 species. Both genera belong to the Oldfieldioideae. The family contains many economically important plants.
Rubber is obtained primarily from Hevea , although latex is used from other genera as well.
Numerous genera are employed medicinally, and several have a long history of traditional use. Some genera are cut for timber, used as dye plants, or as a source of fine oils. The cyanide rich root of this native tropical American plant must be properly treated before consumption. So valuable was this plant to early colonists, that it was widely planted in throughout Africa and the Far East by the end of the 17 th century. A wide variety of food stuffs come from this species.