SafePlants

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soapplant

Scientific Name: Chlorogalum

Family: Liliaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Soap Plant (Chlorogalum pomeridianum)

The terms "Soap Plant," "Soaproot," and "Amole" commonly refer to plants within the genus Chlorogalum. Chlorogalum pomeridianum, also known as the wavy-leafed soap plant, California soaproot, or Amole, is the most widespread species.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions the plant has a tennis ball-sized bulb.
  • The text describes the "fiber-covered bulbs".

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions the plant has a tennis ball-sized bulb.
  • The text describes the "fiber-covered bulbs".

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chlorogalum pomeridianum (DC.) Kunth
  • Common Names: Soap Plant, Soaproot, Amole, Wavyleaf soap plant, California soaproot
  • Family: Liliaceae (lily family)
  • Genus Derivation: Chlorogalum is derived from the Greek words "chloros," meaning green, and "gala," meaning milk or juice.
  • Species Derivation: pomeridianum means "of the afternoon."

Distribution and Habitat

Soap Plants (Chlorogalum species) are native to western North America, ranging from Oregon to Baja California. Chlorogalum pomeridianum specifically thrives in grassland habitats.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Chlorogalum pomeridianum has a tennis ball-sized bulb.
  • The plant often features a rosette of wavy blue-green leaves that can grow up to 2 feet long, lying flat against the ground.
  • It produces small white or purple flowers.

Traditional Uses

The amole or soap plant (Chlorogalum pomeridianum) was widely used by native Indian tribes of southern California, including the Diegueno and Luiseno.

Ecological Interactions

Chlorogalum pomeridianum is subject to herbivory of its leaves in certain areas.

Quirky Facts

  • The species name *pomeridianum* refers to "of the afternoon," relating to the timing of the plant's bloom.
  • The bulb was historically used as a soap substitute by Native American tribes due to its cleansing properties.
  • There is a pop-culture toy shop and gallery in Los Angeles named "Soap Plant / Wacko / La Luz de Jesus Gallery."

Further Resources

  • CalPhotos
  • Dave's Garden
  • Encyclopedia.com
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube video on the ethnobotany of Soap Plant by Susan Labiste