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Soap-root, Saponaria officinalis

Family of cariofillaceae

This is a common plant easy to find along rivers, in rich grounds and on humid meadows. When the plant is crushed and rub between the hands, it produces a not very rich lather, from which it derives its scientific and vulgar name.

Use
It is used to prepare home-made shampoos, and it is also used in herbalist shops, but one has to be careful because the plant is poisonous.

Picture and text of Tebaldo Lorini
Translated by Gianna Toni

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