Rubber / Ficus Elastica

Ficus Elastica or the Indian Rubber plant is native to tropical rainforests of South-east Asian and South American region. In their native environments they can grow as big as 50-100 feet high as trees. Early Aztecs waterproofed their clothing and made their own shoes from the sap of this plant and in some regions it is still used in the modern process of making rubber. 

These plants make for a great houseplant and do well in bright rooms. They are tolerant of dry environments, but are a bit finicky about sudden temperature changes.