Description
Soapnut is a medium to large size deciduous tree growing up to 18 m tall, with a 1.5 m trunk girth. Bark is grey, shiny, covered with rough falling scales. Leaves are pinnate, 12-30 cm long. Leaflets are 2-3 pairs, lance-shaped, elliptic or oblong, long pointed or with a notched tip, dull above. Flowers are white, polygamous, male flowers, numerous, a few bisexual, both found in the same rusty-velvety panicles. Bisexual flowers provide ample pollen and nectar to bees. Fruits are fleshy, 2-3 partially united, seeds pea-size, enclosed in a blackish, hard endocarp. Flowering: October-December.
| Botanical Name | Common Name | Tamil | Hindi | Malayalam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sapindus trifoliatus | Soapnut | பூந்தி கொட்டை | रीठा / Reetha | ചവക്കായ് / cavakkaay |
