Chinese Soap Berry or Soap-Nut Tree (Wuhuanzi)
The Chinese Soap Berry (Wuhuanzi) is originally from the low-elevation broadleaf forests of Taiwan, but has now spread over southern China, India, and southern Japan. The fruit is rich in saponin, and when placed underwater and rubbed will produce cleansing foam, which can be used to clean pots and pans, clothes, the hair and body, and even jewelry such pearls and gold. Since it contains no man-made carcinogens, and it decomposes naturally without polluting the environment, it can be regarded as a natural detergent. The Chinese Soap Berry is a deciduous tree with a beautiful appearance. Its leaves drop completely in autumn/winter, all turning bright yellow before withering. The aesthetics provided has made the Chinese Soap Berry popular as a garden tree and shade tree.