Soap Making Plant

plant having a part (such as a root or fruit) that may be used in place of soap. especially : a California plant (Chlorogalum pomeridianum) of the lily family.Chlorogalum pomeridianum, called “wavyleaf soap plant,” “soap root,” or “amole,” is a low-growing plant of California and Oregon. It is used as soap by the local peoples. The generic name Chlorogalum means “green milk,” and refers to the green juice exuded by a broken leaf.As the name implies, the crushed roots of soapweed yucca produce a lather that makes a good soap or shampoo. The lathering substances called saponins are found in many plants, but are exceptionally concentrated in yucca roots. In addition, the dried leaves of soapweed yucca can be woven into baskets, mats, or sandals.ˈsōp. : a cleansing and emulsifying agent made usually by action of alkali on fat or fatty acids and consisting essentially of sodium or potassium salts of such acids. : a salt of a fatty acid and a metal.Soap is a salt of a fatty acid used in a variety of cleansing and lubricating products. In a domestic setting, soaps are surfactants usually used for washing, bathing, and other types of housekeeping. In industrial settings, soaps are used as thickeners, components of some lubricants, and precursors to catalysts.