Sapindus trifoliatus (English).
Small Soap Nut Tree
Local Names: ചവക്കായ, ഉറിഞ്ചിക്ക ,പശകൊട്ട (Malayalam)
Scientific Name: Sapindus trifolius L.
Synonyms:Sapindus laurifolius Vahl
Family: Sapindaceae
Habit: Medium sized tree
Habital:Dry deciduous forests
Ecological Importance:
It is the larval host plat of the butterfly named Cornelian (Deudorix epijarbas).
Economic Importance:
In old times, its fruit pulp was used extensively as soap for washing clothes in India.
Uses:
The fruit pulp make lather and is being used for washing clothes. It is a natural alternative to detergent soaps. It has anti-fungal, anti-fungal, insecticidal properties. It is used for making Ayurvedic shampoos and hair oils. It has a mild insecticidal property and is effective against Head lice.
Fruits are used as medicine for the treatment of asthma, eczema, psoriasis etc.
Roots and bark are considered as mild expectorant and demulcent.
 |
| Leaf with 2-3 pair of acuminate leaflets |
 |
| Trilobed fruits. |
 |
Kerala Forest & Wildlife Department Research Unit.Peermade |
Comments
Post a Comment