Family: Rosaceae

Genus: Quillaja

Species: saponaria

Common Names: Quillaia, kilaya, quillaja, soapbark tree,
murillo bark, Panama wood

General Description: Quillaja is a large evergreen South American shrub. It is native to Chile and Peru, and is now grown in India and California. Its leaves are thick and shiny and the tree grows to heights of 60 feet and canopy spread of 22 feet.

Uses: Quillaja is a tool of artists; they use this herb to wash cloth, particularly silk, that most soap and detergents would damage. It is a natural cleanser that is so gentle it prevents stripping cloth and hair of natural oils and ingredients that protect.

Quillaja is an extract from the bark of the Quillaja tree. Its name comes from the Chilean word for soap. In tribal life and rituals, the bark extract is used for washing clothes, removing grease and spots from fabrics; now its use has extended to cleaning more delicate fabrics, such as ribbons, under garments and wool.

This tree is also known as 'soap bark tree'. The inner bark of the Quillaja tree has been known for centuries as an agent for washing clothes and bathing. It may be used topically on the skin as well. Quillaja bark extract has properties that break down excess scalp oil and may be used as a shampoo. It is a natural herb that soothes and may relieve itching and protect skin from dryness and cracking, as well as relieve insect bites.

Quillaja is cultivated in Chile in soil that may erode easily, and on steep slopes also to protect from erosion.

Disclaimer: The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.



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Family: Arecaceae or Palmae

Genus: Dictyosperma

Species: albumarmata

Common names: Hurricane palm, princess palm

General Description: The Princess Palm grows to over 30 feet and is very attractive. Its feathery palm leaves feature a white crown shaft. The species is variable and has several different colorful varieties.

This regal and elegant tree is also known as the Hurricane Palm. That name is very apt because the tree is able to withstand high winds. The Princess/Hurricane Palm is able to grow in tropical and subtropical landscapes, as long as there is no danger of frost.

The Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean lay claim to this hallmark palm that is stately and grand, a true tropical beauty. The Princess Palm is considered an essential component of a tropical or subtropical landscape by many garden designers.

Location: The Princess Palm Tree is indigenous to the Mascarene Islands (Mauritius, Reunion, Rodrigues, and Round Island) originally growing in forests on the Islands. Three species are attributed to these Islands: album, aureum and conjugatum.

Uses: The Princess Palm is almost extinct in these regions because of the high demand for the palm heart (Hearts of Palm) used widely in salads and fresh dishes. Also contributing to extinction of this tree is the replacement of forests with agriculture and grazing since the 17th century when humans began occupying the Islands. As a result, this beautiful tree is considered an endangered species.

Disclaimer: The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Mandarich