🌿 Sapindus mukorossi – The Soapnut Tree
This majestic native tree is not only eco-friendly but also culturally treasured for its cleansing fruit. A beautiful, sustainable addition to large gardens and agroforestry landscapes in Punjab.
Botanical Name: Sapindus mukorossi – Commonly known as the Reetha Tree or Indian Soapberry
Family: Sapindaceae – A diverse plant family known for trees and shrubs with saponin-rich fruits
Height: Typically grows 12–20 meters tall; tall, upright tree with a broad, rounded canopy
Foliage: Deciduous; glossy, lance-shaped leaflets arranged in pairs, turning pale yellow before shedding
Fruition: Produces small, round, yellow-brown fruits rich in natural soap (saponin); fruits ripen from October to December in Punjab
Soil: Prefers well-drained, loamy to sandy soil; thrives in moderately fertile conditions
pH Value: Tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0–7.5)
Water: Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established but benefits from deep watering in dry months
Temperature: Thrives in warm climates (20°C to 38°C); sensitive to frost in early stages of growth
Hardiness Zone (USA): USDA Zone 9–11 (-3 to 4 C) - Rare freeze & day time temperatures are warm in winters
Propagation: Commonly grown from seeds; semi-hardwood cuttings possible but slower
Pesticides: Generally pest-resistant; watch for aphids or scale—can be managed with neem oil or soap sprays
Fertilizers: Apply compost or well-rotted manure in early spring; a balanced NPK feed helps fruiting
Flowering Period (Lahore/Punjab): Small, yellowish-white flowers bloom in April–May; mildly fragrant and clustered in panicles (branched clusters of flowers)
Attractiveness to Wildlife: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators; the tree also offers shade and shelter to birds
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