Common Name: Quebracho Blanco

General Information

Quebracho blanco is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be is 30 - 50cm in diameter[, ].
The plant has long been used by the native peoples of S. America, mainly as a medicinal plant in the treatment of fevers[]. It is not usually cultivated but is collected from the wild[]. The tree has a beautiful shape and is worthy of cultivation as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

Excessive doses can be toxic[].
The freshly cut wood and sap of Aspidosperma species causes irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, with general malaise[].
The sawdust, on contact with abraded skin, produces local burning and a vesicular eruption with general symptoms of muscular weakness and cramps, sweating, dryness of the mouth, and faintness[].
Once the wood is thoroughly dry it loses its toxicity unless polishes or dyes in organic solvents are used on it[]

Botanical References

Range

Southern and western S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia.

Habitat

Dry forests at elevations from around sea level to 1,800 metres[, ]. Often found on soils that are saline and rich in humus[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants prefer a minimum temperature that does not fall below 15°c[].
Prefers a well-drained, sandy soil in a sunny position[]. Found in the wild on saline soils and chalky-clays[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark of quebracho blanco contains indole alkaloids (including yohimbine) and tannins[, ]. It is a bitter, astringent, tonic that stimulates the circulatory, respiratory and genito-urinary systems, lowers fevers and relaxes spasms[, ].
It is taken internally in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and feverish illnesses[, ]. It should be used with caution since in excess it can cause nausea and vomiting[].
The astringent action makes it a useful external application on wounds and burns[].
The bark is harvested as required and used fresh or can be dried for later use[].
This herb is subject to legal restrictions in some countries[].

Other Uses

The bark and leaves are rich in tannin[, ].

A yellow dye is obtained from the bark[].

The heartwood is a browny-pink; the sapwood is a yellowy-pink. The texture is fine; the grain interlocked; lustre is medium; there is no distinctive taste or aroma. The wood is heavy, hard, flexible, resistant and very durable if protected from the elements. It is fairly easy to work, and produces a good finish. Of good quality, it is used for construction, general carpentry, lathe work, tool handles, toys, wooden flooring blocks etc[, , ].
The wood is used to make charcoal, including activated charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a very short viability and so is best sown as soon as ripe[, ]. Sow the seed in a nursery seedbed in a lightly shaded position. A germination rate in excess of 70% can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within a few days[]. Pot the seedlings up into individual containers when they are 4 - 6cm tall[].

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