Wingleaf soapberry
Sapindus marginatus

Family: Sapindaceae

What it is like

Sapindus marginatus is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft 3in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf from April to October, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in November. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 15

Where it is found

Hammocks near the coast.

South-western N. America - Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit. The fruit is eaten by native North American Indians, though most white people find it repulsive.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

A soap is obtained from the fruit by rubbing the fruit in water. Used in Mexico for washing clothes. The fruit can be dried and stored for later use. Wood - heavy, strong, close-grained, splits easily. It splits easily into thin strips and is often used in basket making.

Soap: Plants used directly as a soap substitute.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy outdoors in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the mildest areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun. This species tolerates a wide range of soils, including those that are dry, stony and nutrient deficient. Trees are relatively slow-growing in the wild.

Propagating it: Seed - requires some cold stratification. Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and sow in a cold frame in mid-winter. Move to a greenhouse in early spring. The seed should germinate in late spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in early summer. Cuttings of almost ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Fairly good percentage.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

The seed is poisonous. The fruit is poisonous.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

S. saponaria var. saponaria