Quillaja saponaria
Soap-bark tree
Evergreen tree
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The Quillaja saponaria plant species is found in S. America - Chile, Peru. It is a member of the Rosaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Soap-bark tree.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 
Latin Name:  Quillaja saponaria
Common Name:  Soap-bark tree
Family:  Rosaceae
Author:  Molina.
 
Known Hazards:  The plant is toxic if taken internally, tending to dissolve the blood corpuscles[171]. The bark, and possibly other parts of the plant, contains saponins[4]. Although toxic, saponins are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm, they are also destroyed by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisible not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].
 
Mature Height:  18   Mature Width:  6
 
Habitat:  Mountainous regions on the western slopes of the Andes[169, 171].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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