Deinbollia oblongifolia (Dune Soapberry)

Dune Soapberry is a shrub or small tree native to southeastern Africa, where it occurs naturally in coastal dune forests, bushveld and other sandy habitats. It belongs to the Sapindaceae, making it a relative of Lychee, Longan and Rambutan. It is an attractive, manageable fruit tree with lush compound foliage and large terminal clusters of small creamy-white flowers that attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The seeds contain saponins and have traditionally been used as a soap substitute - the source of the common name Soapberry.

The small pale-yellow fruits are edible and contain a relatively large seed surrounded by a modest amount of sweet, aromatic pulp. The flavor of our fruit reminds us of a miniature Lychee or Longan: not much to eat, but surprisingly flavorful. The plant tolerates sandy and relatively poor soils, becomes drought tolerant once established, accepts light frost, and adapts very well to container culture.

One of its most remarkable characteristics in our experience is its speed. Plants we originally raised from African seed flowered and fruited extremely young. Seeds from our own fruiting trees planted in February produced seedlings that were already covered with flower clusters by October - only about eight months later, while some were still growing in 4-inch pots. Our established trees also remained productive through the severe Florida freeze of February 2026, with minimal cold protection (covers). An unusual, forgiving little fruit tree for collectors who don't want to wait years for their first crop.