| Binomial |
Sapindus emarginatus Vahl. |
| Family |
Sapindaceae |
| Tamil name |
பொன்னன்கொட்டை (Ponnankottai) |
| Habit |
Large deciduous tree |
| Bark |
Dark brown, rough, covered with shining scales |
| Flowers |
Greenish white, numerous, |
| Fruits |
Drupes globose, fleshy, yellow when young and brown when mature with leathery skin |
| Flowering period |
November to March |
| Pollinators |
Bees |
| Native to India |
The word Sapindus is derived from the Latin word ‘Sapo’ meaning soap and ‘Indus’ meaning India. Soapnuts are basically used to clean everything from laundry to shining ornaments. It is highly effective and is very mild on skin.
Pulp of the fruit is given to people suffering from diarrhoea. Traditionally, the plant is used in various ailments like, anti-inflammatory agent, hair tonic, paralysis of limbs and as a blood purifier. The fruits are also used as an expectorant (treats cough). The seeds are used to remove tarnish from silver objects. It is called soapnut because the fruits are used to make soaps. The kernel extract inhibits the mosquito Aedes aegypti. The plant is also used as an dyeing agent for Tussar silk and cotton yarn.
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