QUINOA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 343 



Quebracho, White, a name in South America for Asjn- 

 dosperma Quehraclio, a tree of the Dogbane family (xipocynacec^e), 

 native of the province of Santiago in Chili, where its bark has 

 been used for many years as a febrifuge instead of Cinchona. 

 Eecently it has received a good deal of attention in this country 

 as a remedy for diseases of the respiratory organs. The bark 

 contains an alkaloid called Aspidospermin. 



Quercitron. {See Oak.) 



Quillaia Bark {Qu.illaja Saponaria), a tree attaining a 

 height of 50 to 60 feet, native of Chili, belonging to the wing- 

 seeded section of the Kose family (Eosaceas), having smooth, 

 shining, oval, green leaves, about IJ inch in length, and ter- 

 minal white flowers. The bark is called Quillaja or Soap Bark, 

 and consists of numerous layers, containing much carbonate of 

 lime and other mineral matters, which renders it so heavy that 

 it sinks in water. It is in common use in Chili instead of soap. 

 Some years ago it was introduced into this country and recom- 

 mended as a substitute for soap, especially for washing printed 

 goods, silks, and delicate-coloured fabrics. An extract has been 

 prepared under the name of Quillai Bark Oil, and sold by 

 hairdressers for promoting the growth of the hair. 



Quince Tree (Cydonia vulgaris), a low, spreading, branched 

 tree of the Apple family (Pomacese), native of the temperate zone 

 of Europe and Asia. It appears to have been early cultivated 

 by the Greeks and Eomans. Pliny says it was first introduced 

 to Italy from Crete, and into this country about the end of the 

 sixteenth century. The fruit has a powerful odour, and is 

 often used for flavouring marmalade and other preserves. Wine 

 is also made from it. In the heathen mythology the Quince was 

 devoted to the goddess Venus, as being the emblem of love, 

 happiness, and faithfulness, and has been supposed to be the 

 golden fruit of the fancied garden of the Hesperides, defended 

 by the dragon. The fruit of C. sinensis is very inferior to the 

 common Quince. 



Quinine. {See Cinchona.) 



Quinoa {Chenopodmni Quinoci), an annual plant of the 



