Jodina rhombifolia aka Quebracho Flojo

Jodina rhombifolia belongs to the Santalaceae family. It keeps its leaves all year. This South American plant forms a shrub or small tree. Its native range runs from Bolivia to Argentina. Records place it in Paraguay, Uruguay, and southern Brazil too. Kew links it to tropical climates with dry seasons. It grows below taller trees in Araucaria forests. It also grows in coastal forests where trees have broad leaves.

The tree can reach about 26 feet [8 metres] tall. Its crown forms a tall, narrow pyramid above a straight trunk. The trunk may reach about 1.1 feet [0.35 metres] across. Thick bark gives it some defence against fire. Its leaves have spines, which matter when you handle it. The small flowers have scent and add to its appeal. The sources give no flower colour or bloom season. They give no details about its fruit either.

When grown in gardens, it takes sun or part shade. It favours soil that lets excess water drain away. Growth stays slow, even when the tree is young. The evidence gives no frost limits or hardiness zones. Growers raise it from seed in a part-shaded nursery bed. The source says to sow seed soon after it ripens. Few seeds sprout, and sprouting takes 40–60 days. Once they sprout, the young plants grow at a slow rate too.

People grow it for its looks and gather wild material. Its thick bark yields tannins for sale and use. The white wood has straight grain and lasts well. Reports differ on its weight and how well it cuts. One calls it light and soft. Another calls it heavy and hard. People use it for woodwork, stakes, and railway sleepers. They also value it as fuel and make charcoal from it. The small trunk size limits the size of timber pieces.

The plant has a long role in local folk medicine. Reported uses treat gut complaints, colds, wounds, and skin problems. People also use its astringent bark for dysentery. Astringent means it draws body tissue tight. These records show folk uses, not proof of safe treatment. The source lists no known food uses or hazards. This does not prove safety for people or pets. The evidence names no pests or diseases that affect it.