Quebracho blanco is a Spanish term that refers to a type of hardwood tree found in South America. The pronunciation of this term can be broken down into IPA phonetic transcription as ˈke.bɾa.tʃo ˈblaŋ.ko, with stress on the first syllable. The spelling of the term is straightforward, with each letter representing a distinct sound in the Spanish language. The word "quebracho" means "axe-breaker" in Spanish, which refers to its wood's hardness, while "blanco" translates to "white" and refers to the tree's pale bark.
Quebracho blanco is a term used to refer to a variety of tree species, primarily found in South America, belonging to the genus Aspidosperma and the family Apocynaceae. The term is derived from the Spanish language, where "quebracho" means "axe-breaker" and "blanco" is "white", describing the tree's robustness and the color of its timber.
Quebracho blanco trees typically reach heights of up to 20 meters, featuring a wide trunk that can have a diameter of over one meter. They have dense, hard, and durable wood, which is often sought after for its commercial value and various applications. The timber is known for its resistance to rot, decay, and insect infestation, making it ideal for manufacturing furniture, railway sleepers, flooring, construction, and other heavy-duty usage.
Apart from its industrial uses, quebracho blanco is also known for its medicinal properties. Various parts of the tree, such as the bark and roots, contain compounds with potential therapeutic benefits. These compounds have been traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat gastrointestinal disorders, coughs, fevers, and even as an astringent and antiseptic.
Due to its high demand and slow growth rate, quebracho blanco trees have become a commercially valuable resource. Sustainable management practices and conservation efforts are necessary to protect and preserve this species, ensuring its availability for future generations.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word quebracho is derived from the Spanish language. Quebracho comes from the combination of two Spanish words: quebrar meaning to break, and hacha meaning axe. This is due to the very hard and dense nature of the wood. Blanco means white in Spanish, referring to the color of the wood or the tree bark. Therefore, quebracho blanco can be translated as white quebracho.