Non-Timber Forest Products Exchange Programme

NTFP Product Database

Product Details

Soaptnut tree PRODUCT NAME

Sapindus laurifolius Vahl = SCIENTIFIC NAME

Common Name: Poosa
Local Name: Poosa (Kurumba + Irula).
Family: Sapindaceae
Other Species of Same Genera:
Product Description: A deciduous tree. Flower: In terminal and axillary panicles, rusty. Fruit: 3 lobed velvety drupes united completely. Seed 3, black, smooth, pericarp brittle when dry. Dense foliage, leaflets (sub) opposite 2-3 pairs. Leaf lets softly pubescent beneath, shinning above.
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Management Practices: Miscellaneous: Commonly called the Indian soapnut tree, the soap produced from the fruit is mild, used to wash jewellery and silks. Traded extensively in India. The medicine from the bark can only be made after seven days of fasting and in combination with seven different medicines. Deer, squirrels, and rats eat the fruit.
Market Information:
Partners: Keystone Foundation

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