The soapberry family includes 144 genera, with about 1900 species distributed worldwide, except the circumpolar regions.
Many family representatives are of great commercial importance as fruit trees, among which the rambutan and the Chinese lychee are of most significant commercial importance. Maple syrup is obtained from various species of maple, and the seeds of Paulinia guarana and other species of the genus are rich in caffeine and are used in the preparation of a stimulating beverage. Soapberry seeds and fruits, rich in saponins, have been used as soaps. Sapindaceae also includes species grown as ornamental plants (chestnut, maple, bicentennial and rosemary).
