Natural rubber is one of the most important polymers produced by plants because it is a strategic raw material used in more than 40,000 products. It has unique properties as a polymer owing to its specific structure, its high molecular weight and yet-to-be-defined contributions of minor components in the latex. Among over 2500 rubber-producing plant species, the Para rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) is presently the only commercial source of natural rubber. The objective of this review is to provide readers with information on the newest trends and market conditions of natural rubber and also explain the historical background and a global view of Hevea breeding and genetics, together with information about alternative resources.