Seed Availability

Seeds are not available for the Soap Nut. Please visit our seed store to view current selections. Seeds were last available in February 2013.

Description

A semi-deciduous tropical tree that can reach up to 50-60ft, though many specimens remain shorter. Leaves are arranged in leaflets, with up to 10 pairs per leaf. Fruits grow to 1-1 1/2" and ripen to a yellow-orange color. Each fruit contains a single large, hard-shelled seed.

Hardiness

Exact hardiness unknown. Some of its near relatives survive freezes, but this tropical native is probably not hardy to hard freezes or prolonged frosts.

Growing Environment

Grow in full sun. Provide regular water, particularly during warm months. Grow in well-drained soil.

Propagation

By seeds. Seeds should be soaked in lukewarm water for 24hrs prior to planting. Seeds typically germinate in several weeks to a few months.

Uses

Dried fruits are used as soap. In recent years the dried fruits have been marketed for washing clothes. A couple of them added to a load of laundry in the washing machine works much like your favorite detergent.

Native Range

Native to Asia, concentrated in parts of India.

Related Species

Sapindaceae
	Blighia sapida Akee		Dimocarpus didyma Alupag
	Dimocarpus longana Longan		Litchi chinensis Lychee
	Melicoccus bijugatus Mamoncillo		Nephelium echinulatum Nephelium echinulatum
	Nephelium lappaceum Rambutan		Nephelium maingayi Nude Rambutan
	Nephelium mutabile Pulasan		Nephelium uncinatum Hooked Rambutan
	Nephelium xerospermoides Hairless Rambutan		Paullinia cupana Guarana
	Saponaria detergens Soap Nut		Talisia esculenta Belizian Genip