Quillaja saponaria
Forest 94 is planned as a forest of Quillaja saponaria, Soap Bark Tree.
Other common names
Chilean Soapbark, Quillay.
Origin of the species name
Quillaja originated from the Chilean term quilloan, meaning, to wash; saponaria from Latin sapo meaning soap, in reference to the high content of saponin in the inner bark; and -arium which is a Latin suffix referring to a place of something or a container.
Family
Quillajaceae
Date planted
October 2017
Lifespan
Unknown
General description
This is a medium-sized evergreen tree with a rounded dense crown. It has thick ashy grey bark and smooth, leathery, shiny, oval leaves. Its white flowers are borne in dense clusters.
Natural distribution and habitat
The species is native to central Chile, where it occurs in dry, poor soils up to altitudes of 2000 metres. It naturally occurs with the Chilean wine palm (Jubaea chillensis), planted in the Arboretum's Forest 26. Height 18m, spread 10m.
Conservation status
It is not classified as a threatened species.
Uses
The inner bark contains saponins which form a lather in water. The powdered bark is used as a substitute for soap, as a food additive and as an ingredient in pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and fire-fighting foam. It has also been used as an additive for photographic films and foaming for drinks. The wood is used cabinetry, and scents derived from the tree are used in perfumes and cosmetics. It has also been used by the Andean people who used it especially as a treatment for various chest problems. It is grown in parks, gardens and as street trees in California.
Planting pattern
A regular grid
Further reading
Encyclopaedia of the Chilean Flora. 2009.