Soaptree Yucca Yucca elata Range Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts from Trans-Pecos Texas west through central New Mexico to central Arizona and south into northern Mexico, between 1500 and 6000 feet. Habitat Grows in dry, sandy plains, mesas and desert washes, as well as in desert grasslands. Fl...
Parts of plants such as the soaptree yucca (Yucca elata) and the soap nut tree (Sapindus mukorossi) have also long provided natural soaps. Synthetic detergents were first developed in Germany during World War I when natural fats and oils were in short supply. The development of detergents ...