Manilkara chicle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Manilkara chicle |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Manilkara
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| Species: |
chicle
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| Synonyms | |
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Achras chicle Pittier
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The chicle tree (scientific name: Manilkara chicle) is a special kind of evergreen tree. This means it stays green all year round, even in winter! It grows naturally in warm, tropical areas. You can find it in Mexico and Central America.
This amazing tree is famous for something called chicle. Chicle is a natural gum that comes from the tree's sap. For a long time, people have used chicle to make chewing gum. It's also used in other products.
Where the Chicle Tree Grows
The chicle tree is native to a wide area. It grows from the state of Veracruz in Mexico. Its range stretches south all the way to the Atlántico region in Colombia. This shows it loves warm, tropical climates.
What is Chicle?
Chicle is a milky liquid, like sap, that comes from the chicle tree. To get it, workers make cuts in the tree's bark. The sap then drips out slowly. This process is similar to how maple syrup is collected.
Once collected, the chicle is boiled. This makes it thicker and removes water. After it cools, it becomes a solid, rubbery gum. This natural gum was the main ingredient in chewing gum for many years.
The History of Chicle Use
Long ago, the Maya and Aztec people chewed chicle. They used it to clean their teeth and freshen their breath. They also used it to stick things together.
In the late 1800s, chicle became popular in the United States. It was used to make the first modern chewing gums. This natural product was a big part of the chewing gum industry for a long time.
Today, most chewing gum is made with synthetic (man-made) ingredients. But some companies still use natural chicle. This helps keep the tradition alive.
See also
- Manilkara zapota, another tree that produces a similar sap.
