I am trying to identify a tree growing in a friend's yard. It has clusters of fruit that grow and look similar to the Chinaberry tree but instead of one berry at the end of a stem there are always 2. Inside is a pit similar to a cherry pit. The flesh is somewhat leathery. I have pictures of the leaves at: http://hometown.aol.com/rwacaser/myhomepage/photo.html I have a close up of a leaf and photo of the fruit at: http://hometown.aol.com/vwacaser/myhomepage/photo.html Does anyone recognize this tree? Thanks, Robert
mystery tree identification Robert, I am from Arkansas. I think your mystery tree might be a tree that is native to my state, called a soapberry or wild china tree. The scientic name is sapindus drummondii. I wouldn't swear to it, but I think I'm right, especially by the slightly asymmetrical leaves. That's a sign of soapberry. Do the berries change in color from yellowish to bluish to coppery-colored, eventually turning black and wrinkled? If so, you've got yourself a soapberry. Hope this helps. Let me know if the description matches. Greg Brownderville gregbrownde@ipa.net
