Sapindus
(name altered from Sapo-indicus, Indian Soap; the aril which surrounds the seeds of S. Saponaria is used as soap in America). ORD. Sapindaceae. A genus consisting of some forty species of tropical, sometimes slightly climbing trees and shrubs. Flowers regular, in terminal or axillary racemes or panicles; sepals and petals four or five; stamens eight to ten. Leaves alternate, exstipulate, simple and one-foliate or abruptly pinnate; leaflets entire or very rarely serrated. The species are of botanical and economic interest only. The hard, round, black seeds of some members of the genus are used for making rosaries, necklaces, bracelets, &c. One or two of the species have edible outer coverings to the fruits, but the seeds are poisonous.