Sapindus marginatus

Florida Soapberry

Phonetic Spelling

sap-IN-dus mar-jen-AY-tus

Description

A small to medium-sized tree up to 30 feet tall. The leaves are up to 1 foot foot long with 6 to 13 leaflets. The fruits are not edible. They can be put in water to produce a saponin-rich soapy lather which can be used as a soap, as suggested by the common name of soapberry. It is a rare and collectable plant.

Florida soapberry is similar to tropical soapberry (Sapindus saponaria). Some botanists consider Florida soapberry to be the same species as tropical soapberry, but S. marginatus has wingless rachises, acuminate leaflets, and globose fruits.

Florida Native, NE Florida Provenance (from cultivated plant).

Family:

Sapindaceae (Soapberry family)

Native Range:

Se. SC (Historic) and e. GA south to c. peninsular FL (Lee and Brevard counties), and on the Gulf Coast in s. MS.

Hardiness:

Zones 8a–10b (at least)

Lifespan:

Long-lived perennial.

Habitats:

Hammocks, coastal scrub, shell middens, along streams and on limestone uplands.

Exposure:

Full sun to light shade.

Growth Habit:

20-30 ft. in northern Florida, 30-40 ft. in southern Florida.

Phenology:

Deciduous in north Florida; evergreen in south Florida. Blooms in spring. Fruit ripens late summer-fall.

Propagation:

Seed

Moisture:

Moderate to very dry

Recommended Uses:

Shade tree or specimen tree. Leaves may be evergreen in south Florida. Can be used as a street tree.

Salt Spray Tolerance:

Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray. Exposure to salt spray would be uncommon (major storms).

Pot Size:

gallon pot (94.7 fl. oz/2.8 L)