Soapbark, Bois de Panama, Halava wood
Quillaja saponaria

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 15-20 m tall. The bark is thick and dark. The leaves are smooth and leathery and oval and 3-5 cm long. The flowers are white and 15 mm across. The fruit are made up of 5 dry follicles. Each contains 10-15 seeds.

Where it is found

A warm temperate plant. It can grow to 2,000 m above sea level. It is drought resistant and can tolerate cold. National Arboretum Canberra.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Central America, Chile, India, Panama, Peru, South America

How it is used for food

The bark produces an extract used as a foaming and heading agent for beer. It is also used for flavouring ice cream, baked goods and drinks. The bark is mixed with citrus-flavoured sugar syrup to make a soft frothy sweet.

Edible parts

Bark - flavouring

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Murillo's bark, Quillaja

Synonyms