In studying soap, I had learned that there was such as thing as a soap plant. Of course, I'm sure that it isn't equal to the real thing, but, I knew it existed.
One of the Facebook groups I am on deals with natural, organic products. One of the members recommends using something called, 'Soap Nuts'. Being curious, I wondered what these soap nuts were. I found out that they are the fruit of a plant called the Soap Plant, which has a more technical name of chlorogalum. This plant produces a fruit that is used in cleaning, and it is natural. I wondered, of course, if I can grow this kind of plant. Is it specific to certain parts of the world? In my search, I found out that it has been grown by Native Americans.
I love the resourcefulness of the Native Americans. For example, they would take a bison and kill it, and every part of this bison was used for something. The bones were used as we would use silverware. The hides were used in making tents. The meat was eaten and the oil was used as fuel. Many things were used by these early American dwellers that we would have little appreciation for today.
Here is a video containing information on the soap plant. Maybe one day, along with growing my own soursop and coffee plants, I will be growing soap nuts. Maybe, just maybe, one day, if I have a big back yard....with chickens....maybe some sheep too.....
