Other Definitions
saponaria (dict)
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SaponariaAbout 20 species, including:
Saponaria bellidifolia
Saponaria caespitosa
Saponaria calabrica
Saponaria lutea
Saponaria ocymoides
Saponaria officinalis
Saponaria pumilio
Saponaria sicula Saponaria, also known as soapwort, is a genus of about 20 species of perennial herbs in the Caryophyllaceae, native to southern Europe and southwest Asia. They grow to a height of 10-60 cm, with opposite leaves 1-6 cm long. The flowers are produced in tight clusters on the stem, 4-25 mm diameter, with five white, yellow, pink, or pale purple petals. The genus is closely related to Lychnis and Silene, being distinguished from these by having only two (not three or five) styles in the flower. Cultivation and uses Soapworts are cultivated for their attractive flowers; they grow freely in any soil and under most conditions. The crushed leaves or roots of S. officinalis have been used as a soap since the Renaissance. Museum conservators still use the soap made from its leaves and roots for cleaning delicate fabrics not able to withstand modern soaps, and it also makes a fine shampoo.
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