soapbark

[ sohp-bahrk ]

noun

1. a Chilean tree, Quillaja saponaria, of the rose family, having evergreen leaves and small, white flowers.
2. the inner bark of this tree, used as a substitute for soap.

soapbark

/ ˈsəʊpˌbɑːk /

noun

1. Also calledquillai a W South American rosaceous tree, Quillaja saponaria, with undivided evergreen leaves and small white flowers
2. Also calledquillai bark the inner bark of this tree, formerly used as soap and as a source of saponin
3. any of several trees or shrubs that have a bark similar to this

Word History and Origins

Origin of soapbark¹

First recorded in 1860–65; soap + bark ²