crude soda ash, formerly used in glassmaking and obtained by burning various saltworts and related plants (genera Salsola and Halogeton) native to the Mediterranean area
See barilla in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(bə-rēlˈyə, -rēˈyə)
noun
Either of two Mediterranean saltworts (Salsola kali or S. soda) or a similar plant (Halogeton sativus), burned to obtain a crude soda ash.
The crude sodium carbonate ash obtained from these plants.