A Walk After The BBQ 25 - Common Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis)
Common Soapwort Saponaria officinalis has many common names, including common soapwort, bouncing-bet, crow soap, wild sweet William, and soapweed. There are about 20 species of soapworts altogether.
The scientific name Saponaria is derived from the Latin sapo (stem sapon-) meaning "soap," which, like its common name, refers to its utility in cleaning. From this same Latin word is derived the name of the toxic substance saponin, contained in the roots at levels up to 20 percent when the plant is
flowering (Indian soapnuts contain only 15 percent). It
produces a lather when in contact with water. The epithet officinalis indicates its medicinal functions.
In the northern hemisphere Saponaria officinalis blooms from May to September, and in the southern hemisphere October to March.
As its common name implies, it can be used as a very gentle soap, usually in dilute solution. It has historically been used to clean delicate or unique textiles; it has been hypothesized that the plant was used to treat the Shroud of Turin. A lathery liquid that has the ability to dissolve fats or grease can be procured by boiling the leaves or roots in water.
Soapwort is nicknamed "Bouncing Bette" because a pioneer called Betty was travelling across new terrain, and it was a tradition to leave some gift to other travellers who might come across a camp. Betty had no gifts, but she broke apart her Soapwort plants, which she used for travel soap, and planted stem cuttings for others to find.
Soapwort was used as a laundry powder/cleaner in pioneer days. Everywhere Betty camped she left an abundance of new soapwort plants. Over time the plant became known as the “Bouncing Betty” plant in her honor for planting every-where she camped before bouncing to a new location.
www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC6PAEH_common-soapwort?guid=...
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image by Photo George
©2008 2018 GCheatle
all rights reserved
locator: _COW1741
A Walk After The BBQ 25 - Common Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis)
Common Soapwort Saponaria officinalis has many common names, including common soapwort, bouncing-bet, crow soap, wild sweet William, and soapweed. There are about 20 species of soapworts altogether.
The scientific name Saponaria is derived from the Latin sapo (stem sapon-) meaning "soap," which, like its common name, refers to its utility in cleaning. From this same Latin word is derived the name of the toxic substance saponin, contained in the roots at levels up to 20 percent when the plant is
flowering (Indian soapnuts contain only 15 percent). It
produces a lather when in contact with water. The epithet officinalis indicates its medicinal functions.
In the northern hemisphere Saponaria officinalis blooms from May to September, and in the southern hemisphere October to March.
As its common name implies, it can be used as a very gentle soap, usually in dilute solution. It has historically been used to clean delicate or unique textiles; it has been hypothesized that the plant was used to treat the Shroud of Turin. A lathery liquid that has the ability to dissolve fats or grease can be procured by boiling the leaves or roots in water.
Soapwort is nicknamed "Bouncing Bette" because a pioneer called Betty was travelling across new terrain, and it was a tradition to leave some gift to other travellers who might come across a camp. Betty had no gifts, but she broke apart her Soapwort plants, which she used for travel soap, and planted stem cuttings for others to find.
Soapwort was used as a laundry powder/cleaner in pioneer days. Everywhere Betty camped she left an abundance of new soapwort plants. Over time the plant became known as the “Bouncing Betty” plant in her honor for planting every-where she camped before bouncing to a new location.
www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC6PAEH_common-soapwort?guid=...
++ ++ ++ ++ ++
image by Photo George
©2008 2018 GCheatle
all rights reserved
locator: _COW1741