Soapberry

Sapindus saponaria L.

saw-PIN-dus sap-oh-NAIR-ee-ah

Sapindaceae

Explanation of name: Sapindus comes from Latin for soap and for India, referring to the use of the fruits as soap in India (BAC). Saponaria means soapy.

Synonym: Saponaria marginatus Willd.

Natural range: Throughout most of Florida and widespread in the New World Tropics, and in some warm-temperate regions in the U.S. Mostly in hammocks (STU, WU1)

Recognition: A small even-pinnate-leaved tree to about 30’ tall, the rachis in the compound leaf winged; leaflets 4-6. Flowers small, monoecious (TOM). Fruits translucent and soapy-looking, with 3 lobes

Note: As with other plants high in saponin content, the fruit lathers in water and is toxic to fish. Detailed drawings in TOM