About Samolus parviflorus Raf.
This species, Samolus parviflorus Raf., is a small perennial plant that grows to around 35 cm (13.8 inches) in height. It produces inflorescences in the form of racemes, with small white flowers borne on long stalks. Its corollas each have five lobes, and it can flower from spring through fall, over the entire growing season. It bears green, globose capsule fruits. The related species Samolus valerandi is widely distributed across western and Mediterranean Europe, north Africa, Asia, Australia, Japan, and Central and South America including Cuba. This plant can be cultivated in ponds, bog gardens, and damp areas of the garden. Samolus valerandi grows well in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils, and prefers neutral or basic alkaline soils. It can tolerate both full shade and bright sunny growing positions. It requires moist or wet soil, and can even grow directly in water. It tolerates maritime exposure and is self-fertile. Samolus valerandi is sometimes grown in aquariums, though fully submersed specimens typically only survive for a limited time. When cut and agitated in water, the plant's leaves produce a lather. For this reason, former local Arab populations in Palestine used the plant to launder clothes, and called it sabūn 'arab, meaning Arab soap.
