Gutta-percha

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Gutta-percha is a tree of the genus Palaquium in the family Sapotaceae, which is primarily used to create a high-quality latex of the same name. The material is rigid, naturally biologically inert, resilient, electrically nonconductive, and thermoplastic, most commonly sourced from Palaquium gutta; it is a polymer of isoprene which forms a rubber-like elastomer.

The word "gutta-percha" comes from the plant's name in Malay: getah translates as 'sticky gum' and pertja (perca) is the name of a less-sought-after gutta tree. The western term therefore is likely a derivative amalgamation of the original native names.^[1]