The Hevea tree is the natural source of the material used to create these delightful little bath toys. This rubber tree is harvested sustainably without the use of herbicides. The bark of the tree is ‘‘tapped’', this means cutting small slits into the bark. so that the white sap, known as latex, drips out and is caught in collecting cups. Tapping of the rubber trees is done by hand and the natural rubber is safe, non-toxic and readily biodegradable. The molded latex is hand-painted with non-toxic, permanent certified lead-free paints so completely safe for your little one to chew on.