Tree Fluids

Sap is a fluid that is found in plants. By making a hole in the tree’s trunk and hanging a bucket under the hole to collect any sap that drips out. They then boil the sap until it turns into maple syrup.

Latex is a milky liquid in some flowering plants including dandelions. When a latex containing plant gets a crack or a bite, it squirts out latex, a bad-tasting substance with a rubbery texture.  People use latex to make many things including latex gloves, balloons, and bathing caps.

Resin is a liquid found in the outer cells of tree bark. When the bark is cut, resin seeps out through the broken bark. This resin plugs up the hole so that no infection can get into the tree — like scabs on humans! What incredible protection is gifted to all living things in so many different ways!!

People use resins in perfume, ink, jewelry, and glues.