What are the differences between the soapberry tree and the goldenrain tree? A quick guide to telling them apart
Tree shape differences: The soapberry tree can grow to over 20 m, while the goldenrain tree generally only grows to 7-13 m, shorter than the former. Leaf differences: The total length of the soapberry tree's leaves and petiole is 25-45 cm, with 5-8 pairs of leaflets on them. The goldenrain tree's leaves are about 50 cm long, with 5-8 pairs of leaflets on them. Its leaflets are rounder than those of the former.
I. Tree shape differences
The soapberry tree is a relatively tall tree that can grow to over 20 m. Its bark is grayish brown or blackish brown, and its twigs are green with no fuzz on them.
The goldenrain tree is not as tall as the former, generally only growing to 7-13 m.
II. Leaf differences
The total length of the soapberry tree's leaves and petiole is 25-45 cm. Its leaves bear 5-8 pairs of leaflets, papery, oblong, 7-15 cm long and 2-5 cm wide.
The goldenrain tree's leaves can reach 50 cm in length, with no petiole or a very short petiole. Its leaves bear 5-9 pairs of leaflets, papery, broadly ovate, 5-10 cm long and 3-6 cm wide, rounder than the former's leaflets.