The Chilean Myrtle is originally from Chile and western Argentina. It is known by many other names including Quillaia, Killaya, Orange-Bark Myrtle, Soap-Bark Tree, and “Temu”. Scientific name, Luma apliculata.
But they are usually referred by as either the Chilean Myrtle or Soap Bark tree. The inner bark of this tree can be used as a soap substitute. The inner bark can be collected and crushed to turn into soap powder. When added to water, it will lather up just like soap. This is because the inner bark contains saponin.
These are interesting looking fruits. Remind me of blueberries, probably full of antioxidants due to the deep dark color.
Tradewind Fruits notes that the tree attracts many beneficial insects, including lady bugs. The plant is not directly edible, but was used historically as an anti-inflammatory, and for anti-microbial properties. The folks at SF Botanical Garden described the leaves as having a “sweet spicy aroma when crushed”. I wonder if I could add it to my soaps and give it natural sweet and spicy scent.
It makes for a beautiful flowering tree, much like the Crape Myrtle. But it’s really the little fruits that I’m really interested in! All photos from SF Botanical Garden.
The fruit flavor is described to be either juicy and sweet to dry and tasteless (which varies from plant to plant). This tree is growing in San Francisco Botanical Garden, located in the Fragrance garden and part of the Chilean garden area. I haven’t been back to SF Botanical Garden in a while, so it’s probably time to visit soon.
Other trees are also growing in Palo Alto, California. At 318 Ferne Avenue and across the street at 323 Ferne (left of the hydrant). I have yet to visit the Palo Alto trees, but will have to swing by when it’s full of ripen fruits.
Home gardeners can also turn this tree into hedges, bushes, or smaller trees by pruning. It is cold tolerant, drought resistant, can withstand poor soil and can be propagated by seeds. I think it would be neat to make into hedges or as a small tree and provide food for wildlife.
Available for sale at the SF Botanical Garden annual Public Spring sale on May 1 st, 10 am–2 pm. Saturday Plant Sales are held at the San Francisco Botanical Garden Nursery from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, unless otherwise noted.
4:56 pm on April 13th, 2010
I wonder if the leaves have soap property, this made me think of a tree that we used to use as soap when I was little in Laos, we would crush the leaves and it produces suds.
The leaves don’t look sharp and pointy, they’d be good for hedge along the backyard, and I agree, this would be great for wildlife.
9:43 pm on April 13th, 2010
Hi Nye,
Next time I visit SF Botanical Garden, I will take some leaves and use it to wash my hands to see if it would later up.
And I do remember the story about you soap tree. That is neat. My mom said kaffir leaves are good for shampoos too. I need to add that to my soaps next.
There are probably many other plants that contain “saponin” - which makes it lather like soap.
7:43 pm on April 15th, 2010
Cambree, the Thais use the kaffir lime fruit to add to shampoo. When we were living in Thailand, some would broil the fruit in charcoal and it would have real nice aroma to add to shampoo. I think my older sister tried and the juice is a good cleanser.
12:46 pm on April 18th, 2010
Hi Nye, thanks for the info and tip. I want to try using Kaffir leave powder & charcoal for my next soap batch now.