Quillajaceae are saponin-producing trees with bisexual flowers. Their leaves tend to be simple and alternating. Inflorescences are incymes. Flowers are varied among the species, but tend to have parts of five. Each whorl is distinct and unfused, notably having 5apocarpous carpels.[3][4]
Both the family nameQuillajaceae and the genusQuillaja are derived from theMapuche word "quillean" which means "to wash." This is likely because of itssaponin production, which is harvested to make soaps.[5]
Species in the genusQuillaja are found in Southern America, withQ. saponaria found in central Chile andQ. brasiliensis found in southern Brazil as well as bordering countries.[6] Fossils from the extinct speciesDakotanthus cordiformis have been found in Kansas and Nebraska.[3]
Plants in the Quillajaceae family produce saponins, which are extracted from the bark or leaves. Saponin are used in many things, such as soap, cosmetics, and emulsions of vaccines.[7][5]
^Watson, L. & Dallwitz, M.J. (28 December 2019)."Quillajaceae D. Don".The families of flowering plants: descriptions, illustrations, identification, and information retrieval. Retrieved26 November 2025 – via delta-intkey.com.
