Ponnankottai (Sapindus emarginatus)

Ponnankottai is the South Indian soapnut, a tree of the peninsula whose three-lobed, wrinkled fruits lather in water like those of the Himalayan reetha. Its fruit rinds are soaked to wash hair, silks and jewellery. It is named for its leaflets, which have a notch at the tip. North Indian reetha is usually a different species, Sapindus mukorossi.

Botanical name: Sapindus emarginatus Vahl
Family: Sapindaceae
Tamil: Ponnankottai
Hindi: Reetha
Sanskrit: Arisṭaka
Parts used: Fruit
Habit: Peninsular soapnut tree; its fruit rind lathers
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Ponnankottai

It is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a dense crown.

The leaves are pinnate, with two to three pairs of oval leaflets that often have a small notch at the tip.

Small, greenish-white flowers grow in clusters at the branch tips.

The fruit is made of two or three joined, rounded lobes that dry rusty-brown and wrinkled.

Each lobe holds one hard, black seed.

Traditional use of Ponnankottai

Household

Soaked fruit rinds are used to wash hair, alone or with shikakai, in South India.

South Indian household practice

Household

Goldsmiths and households wash gold and silver jewellery in soapnut water.

South Indian craft practice

Ayurveda

Arishtaka is listed in Ayurvedic texts as a cleanser.

Ayurvedic texts

Craft

Soapnut water is used to wash wool and silk before dyeing, to remove oils so the dye takes evenly.

Indian textile practice

Modern notes on Ponnankottai

Its saponins foam and lift dirt and oil like soap.

Soapnuts are sold as a natural laundry detergent.

Saponins are toxic to fish, so washing water should not run into ponds.

Laboratory studies have tested soapnut saponins against mosquito larvae as a natural larvicide.

Ponnankottai safety

Keep soapnut water out of the eyes. Do not eat the fruit or seeds.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows in dry deciduous forests and villages of peninsular India.

Bees visit its flowers.

It tolerates drought.

Related plants

Also in Sapindaceae

Questions about Ponnankottai

Is ponnankottai the same as reetha?

It is a close relative; North Indian reetha is usually Sapindus mukorossi.

Why does Ponnankottai lather?

Its rind contains saponins.

What does emarginatus mean?

Notched, after its leaflet tips.

Can Ponnankottai wash clothes?

Yes.

Is Ponnankottai edible?

No.

How do I use Ponnankottai for hair?

Soak a few rinds overnight, boil briefly, cool and strain, then use the liquid like shampoo.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.