Quillaja saponaria Molina - Quillay/Soapbark - Quillajaceae
Sag. Stor. Nat. Chili 355 (1782)

Note: The family is monogeneric, the genus with only two species (the second Quillaja lancifolia D.Don)

Etymology/Etimología: "Spanish/Español quillay, from Araucani name/de nombre de Araucani quillai" + "Latin sapo, soap/jabón"

[Quillaja molinae DC., illeg., Quillaja poeppigii Walp., Quillaja smegmadermos DC.]

Evergreen tree. Leaves are simple, coriaceous, alternate, shiny; venation obscure. Fruit a follicetum; seeds winged.
Inner bark contains saponins, extracts used as a soap substitute, an agricultural spray adjuvant
and an adjuvant (QS21) for vaccine solutions, e.g., Novavax vaccine for COVID-19 and the zoster vaccine Shingrix contain QS21.
Traditionally used by Andeans medicinally to treat chest problems. Also used as a foaming agent, for drinks and fire retardants.
The wood is used in cabinetry, and extracted aromatic compounds used in perfumes and cosmetics.

GBIF Distribution

Chile Bosque

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Photographed / Fotographiado: Región Metropolitana de Santiago, Chile, 8 Jan 2014, 33.354851, -70.369780, 1300 meters


 
 
 
Photographed / Fotographiado: Región Metropolitana de Santiago, Chile, 10 Dec 2014, 33.354851, -70.369780, 1300 meters




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