Common Name: Quebracho

General Information

Schinopsis balansae is a semi-deciduous tree with an open crown; it can grow up to 25 metres tall. The bole, which is straight and moderately cylindrical, can be 30 - 90cm in diameter and clear of branches for the first 6 - 9 metres[]. Young stems sometimes have spines[]. Large trees are usually affected by heart rot[].
The wood is a major source of tannins and is exploited commercially for this purpose[]. The wood is also used as a timber, valued especially for its extreme durability[].

Known Hazards

The sawdust may cause asthma, bleeding of the nose and conjunctivitis[].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia.

Habitat

Swampy lands[]. Forms almost pure stands in chalky, clayey, periodically flooded soils[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant mainly of subtropical areas, just entering into the tropics.
Grows best in a sunny position[].Prefers very wet clay soils[].
Natural regeneration is good in some places[].
Young plants usually establish well when planted out and grow away fairly quickly[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The bark and the wood contain 18 - 20% of excellent quality tannins[]. The heartwood contains up to 35% tannins[].

The heartwood is chestnut brown when freshly cut, turning to dark deep red on exposure; it is well demarcated from the pale pink sapwood, which is 3 - 8cm wide[]. The texture is fine and even; the grain diagonal to interlocked; odour absent; taste astringent[]. The wood is extremely hard, heavy and strong, but brittle. It is highly durable in fresh-water and very resistant to fungal attack[]. Care must be taken in seasoning to avoid warping and checking. It is difficult to saw and very difficult to work, finishes smoothly and takes a high natural polish; splits readily. Not of the class of timbers treated with preservative, because of its high tannin content[]. Because the wood has such good durability, it is used for external work such as posts, railway ties, bridges etc[].
The wood makes a good fuel[].

Propagation

Seed. The seed is difficult to separate from the fruit and so the whole fruit is usually sown[]. Sow in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed, only just covering them with a fine layer of soil. A high germination rate is usually achieved within 7 - 15 days[]. Pot the seedlings up into individual containers when they are 4 - 5cm tall[].

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