Historia del Quebracho-Argentina-Producciones Vicari.(Juan Franco Lazzarini)

STORIES - LEGENDS - TALES - FILMS - EDITS - RESTORATIONS: BY JUAN FRANCO LAZZARINI. The quebracho (both red and white quebracho) is a tree native to the Gran Chaco region, essential to Argentine history for its extremely hard wood—a name derived from "axe-breaker"—historically used for railroad ties and tannin. Its intensive exploitation by companies like La Forestal in the late 19th century generated "red gold" that transformed the regional economy, but also caused severe deforestation. Key aspects of the quebracho's history: Origin and Legend: It is known as "axe-breaker" due to the extreme hardness of its wood, a characteristic that protects it but also made it a coveted resource. The legend of the Red Quebracho tells the story of Puca Sononco, a young indigenous man whose spilled blood was absorbed by the base of a tree, giving it its intense red color. Forestry Exploitation: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Gran Chaco region witnessed massive quebracho exploitation, especially by the English company La Forestal, which led to the rise and subsequent decline of towns like La Sabana. This period of labor conflict was portrayed in the film "Quebracho" (1974). Economic Importance: The quebracho tree was fundamental to the tannin industry and the production of railway sleepers for the expansion of the railway in Argentina. Current Situation: Three species of quebracho are in danger of extinction due to excessive logging and changes in land use, with only a small percentage of the original native forests surviving. In addition to the timber, the term "quebracho" is also associated with historical events, such as the Battle of Quebracho Herrado in 1840 and the Battle of Punta Quebracho in 1846.