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 et
al., 2021).
