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Western Soapberry (Sapindus drummondii: Sapindaceae)

Have you ever seen a tree with berries that can be used as soap? This is the Western Soapberry, a hardy and incredibly useful tree found in Texas. Its distinctive golden berries are packed with saponin, a natural compound that lathers up with water. Historically, Native Americans and early settlers used these berries as a soap substitute.

Interestingly, the suds from the berries are toxic to fish and were used to stun them, making them easier to catch. Besides its beautiful berries, the tree can be identified by its compound leaves, which have leaflets arranged in an alternating pattern. It's a fantastic native tree for both wildlife and landscaping!

Ecologically, it’s the exclusive host plant for the beautiful Soapberry Hairstreak butterfly (Phaeostrymon alcestis), which relies exclusively on its leaves for the caterpillars to survive. While the berries can provide a late-winter meal for birds, it’s important to note they are toxic to humans if ingested.

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