Sapindus trifoliatus

• Botanical Name : Sapindus trifoliatus L.
• Common Name : Aritha, South India Soapnut
• Plant Family : Sapindaceae
• Plant Form : Tree
• Occurrence (Sectors) : 2, 12
• Occurrence (Special Areas) : Indroda Park, Van Chetana Kendra, Basan, Aranya Van

About Sapindus trifoliatus Plant :

• Habit : A medium-sized tree.
• Leaves : Alternate, pinnate, leaflets 2-3 pairs,lanceolate, acute or acuminate, entire, nerves of leaflets about 15 pairs.
• Inflorescence : Terminal panicles.
• Flowers :
  • Polygamous, regular, ferrugineo-pubescent, white or whitish, the males numerous3 the bisexual flowers few.
  • Sepals 5, petals 4-5, somewhat hairy, each with usually 2 glands attached to the sides some way up from the base.
• Fruit : Fleshy, 2-lobed, 2-seeded.
• Flowering and Fruiting Time : October - December
• Significance :
  • The fruits are used as a good substitute for soap, especially for washing the hair.
  • The fruit given internally is an emetic, nauseant and expectorant.
  • It is also used as an anthelmintic.