Sapindus mukurossi
(Chinese Soapberry, Reetha, Soapberry, Soapnut Tree)

Origin:  Native of Eastern Asia, Himalaya
Family: Sapindaceae
Light:  Full sun
Height:  >40'
Blooms: Fragrant, white, small, clusters, at branch tips late Summer
Foliage:  Deciduous, green, narrow
Soil:  Well-drained,
Water:  Moderate-dry
Fruits:  3/4" across, round, golden, changes to reddish-brown when ripe, sticky berries called soapnuts, harvest in Fall
Uses:  Herb, soap, detergent, shampoo, cleanser, container
Propagation:  Seeds  (Scarify first before sowing, requires 3 months cold treatment)

Comments:  Sapindus mukurossi or Chinese Soapberry or Reetha, Soapberry or Soapnut Tree is a subtropical or tropical tree with an upright, moderate growth habit.  It is a native of eastern Asia and Himalaya.  In late Summer, Sapindus mukurossi produces interesting clusters of small, white blossoms at branch tips.  This is later followed by golden sticky berries called soapnuts.  Chinese Soapberry has deciduous, narrow green foliage.  It is easily propagated from the seeds and thrives best in well-drained moist soil in a sunny location.  It is low maintenance and tolerates drought  when established.  Reetha is an excellent tree for the sunny landscape.  It can also be container plant for the patio.   The berries are ready for harvest in the Fall.  The shells of Soapnuts are rich in saponin, a natural soap.  They are biodegradable washing shells and are used in the manufacture of shampoos, cleansers, food additive and medicine.  For centuries in India, many have used the soapnuts for washing fine linens.  Remove the kernal or nut inside the fruit and keep the shells for use.  Usually 6-8 half shells knotted with an old  pair of stockings can be used for each machine wash load and then save them to be used for another 5 more loads of wash.  The nut shells become lighter with each wash set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The washed laundry will be fragrance free, spotless and smelling fresh.  Homemade soap can be made by boiling the soapberry shells in water and bottled for use as a cleaner around the kitchen or house, including shampooing your pets.  Jewelries look sparkling when washed with detergent made from soapnuts.   According to sources, even people with skin allergies have found no problems with the use of the soapnuts.  Saponin mukrossi is indeed an interesting and  valuable tree to have in the landscape plus it keeps the environment clean.  

USDA Zones: 8-1