SoapNut (ThursdayTreeLove)

 Here is tree that many of us especially in India know for its fruit.. namely Reetha or the Soapnut tree. It is a native and seen around in Pune, in gardens or roadsides as well. There is one growing quite near my home, so I see it round the year in all stages.. flowering, fruiting .

My images today are from a tree I spotted in one of our weekly hikes, it lives in the grounds of a very old and prestigious college in Pune. I am happy it continues to grow and flourish in its chosen home watching students pass out every year. 

Reetha goes by the botanical name Sapindus emarginatus and belongs to the Sapindaceae family. Other familiar members of  Sapindaceae are some Maples, and Litchee which are in season presently. 

Seen from a distance

Compound leaves

Interesting trunk isn't it? 

Fruit on a tree

This is not my image. I have uploaded via a link. 

Last image is of the dry fruit.. Reetha as is sold in the market. An infusion has to be made and is used as an excellent detergent to wash silks and other clothes as well. It can be used as a shampoo as well. Experts suggest using Reetha instead of detergent powders as our small effort towards saving our rivers from chemical runoff. 

Have you seen the Reetha tree? Do you use Reetha as a detergent? 

I am joining Parul in her ThursdayTreeLove blog hop. Do head over to see some fantastic trees from around the world . Better still, join in!