WESTERN SOAPBERRY Jaboncillo
Sapindus drummondii - Sapindaceae, Soapberry Family
DESCRIPTION:
-
Medium-sized, broad-leafed tree with rounded crown.
-
Height: 10-50 feet.
-
Flowers: White, long-lasting; April-May.
Fruit: Amber, round, fleshy berry with a large brown seed.
-
Foliage: Deciduous; yellow-green leaves
turning yellow in autumn.
-
Bark: Rough, grayish or tan, flaking.
Growth rate: Moderately fast.
REQUIREMENTS:
-
Sun: Partial shade to full sun.
-
Soil: Any.
-
Drainage: Well-drained soil.
-
Water.- Low; drought tolerant.
-
Maintenance. Relatively free of disease and
insect pests.
Propagation: Scarified, stratified seed.
NATIVE HABITAT:
Wooded area near river or resaca.
WILDLIFE USE:
Fruit eaten by birds-, cover, nest sites.
COMMENTS:
Poisonous fruit; fruit used as shampoo and detergent; used to suppress fevers and treat kidney disorders; seeds used
for rosaries, necklaces, buttons; fruit used (like rotenone) to stun fish. Excellent as shade tree;
numerous in street-side plantings in every city from Rio Grande City to Uvalde; wood
yellow; provides best fall color change in Valley.
|
