Halava Wood

Three or four species of evergreen trees and shrubs belong to this genus, which occurs in temperate parts of S America. Quillaja saponaria is grown for its attractive, glossy foliage, large flowers, and curious, soapy bark. It succeeds outdoors in northern regions if given a sheltered position, and is cultivated commercially in California and India. Nine percent of the bark of Q. saponaria is made up of complex saponins, known collectively as "quillajasaponin", together with calcium oxalate and tannins. It is now mainly used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations, since research has shown that internal use may have unpleasant side-effects. Quillaja is from the Chilean term quillai, "to wash", and refers to the soap-like properties of the genus.

Large evergreen tree with smooth, shiny, ovate leaves, to 5cm (2in) long. White to green-yellow, purple-centered flowers, about 1.5cm (½in) across, appear in spring and early summer, followed by star-shaped fruits, containing 10-18 oblong seeds, 1cm (½in) long.


Common Name:
Halava Wood
Other Names:
Soapbark Tree, Quillai, Panama Bark
Botanical Name:
Quillaja saponaria
Genus:
Quillaja
Family:
Rosaceae
Location:
Chile, Peru
Cultivation:
Fertile, well-drained soil, sited in a sheltered position in cold areas.
Propagation:
By ripe cuttings at the end of the growing season.
Harvest:
Bark is dried for use in liquid extracts, powders, and tinctures.
Height:
15-18m (50-60ft)
Width:
6-7m (20-22ft)
Hardiness:
Z10
Parts Used:
Inner Bark, Bark
Properties:
An acrid, astringent, cleansing herb that reduces inflammation and has expectorant effects.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for bronchial congestion. Externally for skin ulcers and eruptions, and dandruff.
Culinary Uses:
Powdered dried bark is mixed with citrus-flavored syrup to make Middle Eastern cream or mousse, natef or natife, served with pastries.
Warning:
May cause irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract, and is no longer considered safe.
Powdered bark causes violent sneezing.
Economic Uses:
Bark extracts are used to flavor baked products, candy, soft drinks, and ice cream; also as a foaming agent in beers and fire extinguishers. Cleansing products are utilized in anti-dandruff shampoos and exfoliant cleansers.
Bibliography:
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp 339-340