Wild Vegetables of the Family Sapindaceae

The Sapindaceae family, or soapberry family, includes over 1900 species across 144 genera, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. These plants, ranging from trees to vines, are identified by their compound leaves and typically unsymmetrical flowers. The family includes both sweet fruits like lychee and rambutan and sources of maple syrup. Some species have medicinal uses, but soapberries contain saponins, which can be irritating. While offering vitamins and minerals in some fruits, some members may also contain anti-nutrients (Buerki <i>et al</i>., 2021).