Quillaja
Encyclopedia
Quillaja is a genus of flowering plant
s, the only genus in the family Quillajaceae. It was once thought to be in the rose
family, Rosaceae
, but recent research shows it belongs in its own family. The inner bark of the soap bark tree (Q. saponaria) contains saponin
, which is a natural soap
. Members of this genus are tree
s that grow to about 25 metres (82 ft).
Flowering plant
The flowering plants , also known as Angiospermae or Magnoliophyta, are the most diverse group of land plants. Angiosperms are seed-producing plants like the gymnosperms and can be distinguished from the gymnosperms by a series of synapomorphies...
s, the only genus in the family Quillajaceae. It was once thought to be in the rose
Rose
A rose is a woody perennial of the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae. There are over 100 species. They form a group of erect shrubs, and climbing or trailing plants, with stems that are often armed with sharp prickles. Flowers are large and showy, in colours ranging from white through yellows...
family, Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae are a medium-sized family of flowering plants, including about 2830 species in 95 genera. The name is derived from the type genus Rosa. Among the largest genera are Alchemilla , Sorbus , Crataegus , Cotoneaster , and Rubus...
, but recent research shows it belongs in its own family. The inner bark of the soap bark tree (Q. saponaria) contains saponin
Saponin
Saponins are a class of chemical compounds, one of many secondary metabolites found in natural sources, with saponins found in particular abundance in various plant species...
, which is a natural soap
Soap
In chemistry, soap is a salt of a fatty acid.IUPAC. "" Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 2nd ed. . Compiled by A. D. McNaught and A. Wilkinson. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford . XML on-line corrected version: created by M. Nic, J. Jirat, B. Kosata; updates compiled by A. Jenkins. ISBN...
. Members of this genus are tree
Tree
A tree is a perennial woody plant. It is most often defined as a woody plant that has many secondary branches supported clear of the ground on a single main stem or trunk with clear apical dominance. A minimum height specification at maturity is cited by some authors, varying from 3 m to...
s that grow to about 25 metres (82 ft).
Species
Quillaja brasiliensis (A.St.-Hil. & Tul.) Mart Quillaja lanceolata D.Dietr. Quillaja lancifolia D.Don Quillaja molinae DC. |
Quillaja petiolaris D.Don Quillaja poeppigii Walp. Quillaja saponaria Molina Quillaja sellowiana Walp. Quillaja smegmadermos DC. |