Pepper, originally from India, was grown as early as the 14th century in Sumatra. It did not need fertile soil, but the hot and humid weather was essential. Pepper was known for its exchange value and especially among the locals, who traded it for cloth, salt and other luxuries. At the international level, pepper commanded high prices and was one of Sumatra’s key export commodities throughout its history. Ficus elastica is a type of rubber tree native to Sumatra. In the tropics, the tree could grow to spectacular heights and it has large oval-shaped glossy leaves. The tall trunk and heavy branches of the tree was supported by the buttressing roots. However, this tree was not used as a commercial source of latex for rubber production.
