Ficus elastica known as the Indian rubber tree has a white, milky latex that is a source of natural rubber was analyzed for its phytochemicals as an intermediate energy source. The tree produces a high quantity of protein and oil (24.5 and 6.1% respectively). The polyphenol content was 4.2%, and hydrocarbon content was 2%. The gross calorific value of the plant sample was 28.7 MJ kg(-1), much higher than that of methanol (22.4 MJ kg (1)), but comparable to anthracite coal (29.7 MJ kg(-1)). The gross calorific value of the oil fraction was 32.8 MJ kg (1). This species also contains high levels of ortho-dihydroxy phenols which may be related to disease resistance to some pathogens. It also possesses compounds with antimicrobial activity and a range of pharmacological activities. F. elastica has several chemical constituents, other than rubber, which have potential uses and warrant further study. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.