Status:
valid
Authors:
Gaertn.
Source:
tro
Year:
1788
Citation Micro:
Fruct. Sem. Pl. 1: 342 (1788)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001135251
Common Names
- Sapindus mukorossi
- Chinese Soapberry
- Mukorossi Soapberry
Description
Sapindus mukorossi (also called Soapnut, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Sapindaceae. It is native to India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. It is a medium-sized deciduous tree that grows up to 15 m tall and has a spreading crown. It grows in tropical and subtropical climates in dry and moist forests.
Uses & Benefits
Sapindus mukorossi is a species of flowering plant in the family Sapindaceae. It is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of fever, headache, and skin diseases. The leaves are used as an astringent and the fruits are used to treat diarrhea.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Sapindus mukorossi are small, yellow, and have five petals. The seeds are small, round, and black. The seedlings are small, with a single pair of oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Sapindus mukorossi is a tropical tree that can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 10-11. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings and prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It can also be grown in containers.
Where to Find Sapindus mukorossi
Sapindus mukorossi is native to the rainforests of Central and South America.
Species in the Sapindus genus
Sapindus saponaria,
Sapindus vitiensis,
Sapindus chrysotrichus,
Sapindus oahuensis,
Sapindus drummondii,
Sapindus marginatus,
Sapindus trifoliatus,
Sapindus laurifolius,
Sapindus mukorossi,
Sapindus rarak,
Sapindus delavayi,
Sapindus tomentosus,
Sapindus sonlaensis,
Sapindus lippoldii,
Species in the Sapindaceae family