Sapindus saponaria (Soapberry)

Sapindus saponaria (Soapberry) yellow round fruit cluster hanging from a branch close up
Sapindus saponaria (Soapberry) yellow fruit hang in a dense cluster attached to green leaves.

Botanical name: Sapindus saponaria

Common name: Soapberry

Family: Sapindaceae

Origin: Mexico

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-11

Small tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Small tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 10-20 ft
Full sunSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor
Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeCold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Watering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Moderate
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Fragrant plantFragrance: Fragrant; perfume plant
Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsWildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

Soapberry flowers are small and usually whitish, in broad many flowered panicles with 4-5 sepals and petals. Flowers bloom in late spring, and form large, dense, intensely, fragrant terminal clusters.

Soapberry is very tolerant of soils with limited moisture and low fertility.

The drupes, which lather when combined with water, were once used in varnish, floor was, and soap. In some parts of Mexico soapberry is still preferred for washing hair and delicate clothing. As a soap it also has medicinal effects, helping to relieve itching and prevent the spread of various tineas and scalp seborrhea.

Similar plants: Sapindus saponaria (Soapberry)


Sapindus saponaria (Soapberry) with round tan fruit and dense green leaves on a tree branch
Sapindus saponaria (Soapberry) with round tan fruit clustered on thin stems amid long green leaves.
Sapindus saponaria (Soapberry) yellow flower cluster on branch among lush green leaves close up
Sapindus saponaria (Soapberry) yellow flower cluster nestling among lush green pinnate foliage
Sapindus saponaria (Soapberry) green round fruit on branch in close up clear blue sky
Sapindus saponaria (Soapberry) green fruit clusters hanging among yellow and green tapered foliage against sky.
Sapindus saponaria (Soapberry) green round fruit on branches with yellow and green autumn leaves.
Sapindus saponaria (Soapberry) green fruit clusters hanging on branches among yellow and green autumn foliage.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/sapindus_saponaria.htm
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