Latex from a rubber tree after a heavy shower of rain, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

Rains cause havoc with collecting latex from rubber trees. This picture shows the effect of rain on the flowing latex.

Latex collection from a rubber tree - before and after, Kudagama, Sri Lanka

Note the half shell of the coconut used to collect the latex. It is turned down after the latex is collected. Latex is a sweet liquid and hungry dogs or cattle occasionally drink it. The swallowed latex is coagulated by the action of the acid in the stomach. It becomes solid and fills the stomach cavity preventing the animals from being unable to partake of a full meal. The affected animals have a lingering death due to starvation.