30-40, see text Saponaria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae, native to Asia and Europe, and are commonly known as soapworts.

[5] It contains saponins, and a liquid soap can be produced by soaking the leaves in water.

[6] It is also sometimes stated that it is used as an emulsifier in Turkish delight confections, but this is a case of double confusion.

The roots of plants in genus Gypsophila are used to make the Turkish confection helva and Saponaria species are not used.

[7] Saponaria species are eaten by the larvae of some butterflies and moths, including the Lychnis and Coleophora saponariella, which is exclusive to the genus.