It is a tree that has fruit. When the fruit is dried,it is used as organic soap. Research "soap nuts". I am trying to find someone to see if they have a tree growing in the US.
I cannot find any information of anyone growing the tree here in the United States. I did find some seeds on Ebay but nothing has sprouted yet. It may be approx 40 feet tall with evergreen leaves. I would like to hear from someone that has one growing in their yard! Also, I purchased a sample packet of "soap nuts" and they truly do work!
I checked yahoo search and found this and now I see a Western Soapberry so back I go. It doesn't mention sap-nuts. But............ MB
Soapberry
Sapindus saponaria - A beautiful tree that grows to 30 feet tall in its native habitat with a rounded crown and yellow-gray bark. Grown for its usefulness as a landscape plant, foliage and fall golden yellow colors highlighting the yellow-orange seed pods.
Numerous small creamy-white flowers bloom in late Spring or early Summer. Fruits follow in round clusters about 1/2 inch in diameter. Fruits are one-seeded, yellow to orange and become black as Winter progresses.
This tree is a low maintenance tree requiring little fertilizer and attention. Drought and salt tolerant. Should be pruned while young to encourage strong branch growth. Makes a good hedge for screening as well as general landscape usage. Grow in zones 8 or above in any soil. Needs full light.
1.Effectively clean laundry - Eliminates the need for fabric softener. 2.Antimicrobial properties. Removes microbes from laundry. 3.Natural anti-fungal properties. 4.Hypoallergenic. For skin allergies like eczema, soap nut liquid or powder can be used instead of regular body soap. 5.Great for removing odors. 6.Mild and gentle on fabric structure and colors. 7.Low sudsing: Good for all washing machines. 8.100% biodegradable. 9.No animal testing. 10.Requires no manufacturing processes. No chemicals or fossil fuels needed to produce. 11.A primary product from a sustainable source. 12.Does not pollute our water systems. 13.Environmentally safe. 14.Natural product with basically an endless shelf life. 15.Virtually untapped potential for eliminating most harmful chemicals from the market. 16. Unlike regular washing powders, no potentially harmful residues are eliminated into our rivers
Yes I have found a lot of useful information..and I have been using the soap nuts for two weeks...with great success. Thank you for the additional sites.
Soapberry Tree
Posted - Jan 16 2009 : 6:08:18 PM
