Wikimedia Commons
Lythraceae
Henna Flower
Lawsonia inermis
Celebration, bridal beauty, and cultural artistry.
- Family
- Lythraceae
- Genus
- Lawsonia
- Native to
- North Africa, Middle East, South Asia
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Type
- evergreen shrub or small tree
- Height
- 200–600 cm
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- well-drained, sandy to loamy
- Water
- low to moderate
- Hardiness
- 10–12
- Lifespan
- perennial; decades
Did you know
- Henna leaves contain lawsone, a red-orange dye molecule that bonds with keratin to stain skin, hair, and nails.
- The tradition of bridal mehndi (henna body art) dates back at least 5,000 years to ancient Egypt and India.
- The small fragrant flowers are intensely sweet-scented and used to make perfume in the Middle East.
- Cleopatra reportedly used henna to dye her nails and hair, and Egyptian mummies have been found with hennaed hair.
- Henna paste must remain on skin for several hours; the longer it stays, the deeper and more long-lasting the stain.
Color meanings
0
joy
1
celebration
2
beauty
3
good fortune