| Quebracho blanco | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Aspidosperma |
| Species: | A.
quebracho-blanco |
| Binomial name | |
| Aspidosperma
quebracho-blanco Schltr. |
|
Quebracho blanco (syn. Macaglia quebracho-blanco (Schltdl.) A.Lyons) is a South American tree species, which is found in the northern regions of Argentina. It must not be confused with other species also known as quebracho, but belonging to the genus Schinopsis.
Quebracho blanco wood is uniformly yellow-ochre, without differences between hardwood and sapwood. It is quite heavy (relative density = 0.885 g/cm³) and hard, and responds well to bending and shock. Upon drying it tends to collapse, producing deformations and cracks, so the drying process is slow; the wood must be treated with fungicides. It is easy to work and has many uses in carpentry (carts, wheels, floors, shoes, tool handles, furniture); it is also good for chess pieces, skis, etc. Preserved with creosote it can be used outdoors. In some places it is widely used as coal, since it does not produce sparks or large amounts of ash, and it burns strong and slowly.
Quebracho blanco contains small amounts of the phytochemical yohimbine and is known to be an aphrodisiac, is used to treat erectile dysfunction and acts as a mild antidepressant.
Classification System: APG II (down to family level)
Main Page
Cladus: Eukaryota
Regnum: Plantae
Cladus: Angiospermae
Cladus: Eudicots
Cladus: core
eudicots
Cladus: Asterids
Cladus: Euasterids
I
Ordo: Gentianales
Familia: Apocynaceae
Subfamilia: Rauvolfioideae
Tribus: Alstonieae
Genus: Aspidosperma
Species: Aspidosperma
quebracho-blanco
Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco Schltdl.
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For more multimedia, look at Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco on Wikimedia Commons. |
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