Scutia buxifolia aka Quebracho (Spanish)

Scutia buxifolia is a spiny tree in the Rhamnaceae family. It comes from subtropical parts of South America. Its range includes Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay and northern Argentina. It grows in Araucaria forests and forests along rivers. It also occurs in more open grassland. Across these habitats, it favours very wet ground. The available account describes a wild tree, harvested for local needs.

Its crown is broad and dense, above a crooked trunk. It sheds some of its leaves rather than all at once. The source lists a height of about 16 feet [5 metres]. Its fuller account gives an upper height of 23 feet [7 metres]. The trunk can reach 0.7–1 foot [0.2–0.3 metres] across. Growth is slow, including when the tree is young. The evidence gives no measured crown width or detailed leaf description.

This tree grows in full sun or in moderate shade. Its wild habitat points to a preference for wet soil. The source does not give a tested watering schedule for gardens. Nor does it give frost limits or hardiness zones. Growers can raise it from seed in a nursery bed. The account recommends sowing fresh, ripe seed in partial shade. Few seeds may sprout, and germination takes about 50–60 days. No flowering season, fruit details or pest problems appear in the evidence.

The wood provides much of the tree's local value. It has a fine texture and straight grain. It is heavy, resists decay and takes effort to cut. People use it for outdoor posts and bridge supports. They also use it for carpentry and work on a lathe. The trunk generally supplies only small pieces of timber. The wood also serves as fuel. The bark provides a dye, though the source gives no colour.

The bark has a recorded role in traditional medicine. A tincture has served in place of foxglove for heart and circulation complaints. The plant contains peptide alkaloids, according to the cited medicinal reference. These records describe use, not proof of safe treatment. The source lists no known food uses or hazards. That lack of reports does not establish that it is edible or harmless.