sapindica

Sapindus is a genus of about five to twelve species of shrubs and small trees in the family Sapindaceae. The genus is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. The most well-known species is Sapindus mukorossi, commonly known as the soapnut tree or Indian soapberry.

The fruits of Sapindus species are drupes that contain one to three seeds. These fruits have a saponin-rich pericarp, which is the outer fleshy part. When the fruit is agitated in water, the saponins are released, creating a lather similar to soap. This property has led to their traditional use as a natural detergent for washing clothes, hair, and even as a mild insecticide.

Sapindus mukorossi is widely cultivated in India and Nepal for its soap-producing properties. The seeds are hard and black and have been used to make jewelry and decorative items. The wood of the soapnut tree is also used for making furniture and agricultural implements. Other species within the genus have similar uses, though Sapindus mukorossi is the most commercially significant. The cultivation and use of soapnuts are part of traditional practices in many regions where they grow.