Quebracho tree

Quebracho [keˈβɾatʃo] is a common name in Spanish to describe very hard (density 0.9–1.3) wood tree species.

[1] There are at least three similar commercially important tree species that grow in the Gran Chaco region of South America.

This type of extract is rich in condensed tannins of natural high molecular weight (phlobaphenes), which are not easily soluble.

Quebracho tannins give an important added value to the quality of leathers, such as vacchetta, belts and garments, making them more compact and tear resistant with a pleasant touch.

[28] The tannic acid, in the form of alkalized salts, was extensively used as a deflocculant in drilling muds in 1940s-1950s, until it was replaced with lignosulfonates.

[32] Amongst other activities Ernesto Tornquist (1842–1908) organised the exploitation of quebracho in Santiago del Estero, in the Chaco region.

Originally a dry forest area, the abundance of quebracho attracted timber industries of British capital during the 19th century, leading to extensive deforestation.

The private owners of the Chaco then turned to cotton production, employing the local Toba people as a cheap seasonal workforce; the conditions did not change substantially for decades.

The British-owned Central Argentine Railway reached the city of Santiago del Estero in 1884 and the trees were exported via San Lorenzo port.