Quillay

Description:

Superior Taxa: Spiraeoideae, Rosaceae, Rosales
Quillaja saponaria, the soap bark tree or Soapbark, is an evergreen tree in the family Quillajaceae, native to warm temperate central Chile.
The tree has thick, dark bark, smooth, leathery, shiny, oval evergreen leaves 3–5 cm long, white flowers 15 mm diameter borne in dense corymbs, and a dry fruit with five follicles each containing 10-20 seeds.

Habitat:

Populations are found even 2000 m (6500 ft) above sea level. It can grow to 15–20 m (50–65 ft) in height.
The species is drought resistant, and tolerates about -12°C (10°F) in its natural habitat.

Notes:

Soap bark tree has a long history of medicinal use with the Andean people who used it especially as a treatment for various chest problems. It is the source of quillaia, the extract of which is used as a food additive and as an ingredient in pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and fire-fighting foam. It is used as additive for photographic films and foaming for drinks. The saponin content of the bark helps to stimulate the production of a more fluid mucous in the airways, thus facilitating the removal of phlegm through coughing.