Pigments of rubber tree leaves were identified by means of descending paper chromatography, using three solvent systems. Analysis of the chromatograms and Rf values indicated the presence of two anthocyanins, pelargonidin and cyanidin. A yellow spot, with Rf value greater than 0.90, was probably kaempferol.
The anthocyanin level was influenced in rubber tree seedlings subjected to water stress, showing a drastic reduction in the first ten days of leaf ontogeny. Leaves older than 20 days showed no significant difference under diferent water stress treatments. Clone IAN 873 progeny more strongly affected by water stress than that of H. pauciflora.