Lawsonia inermis ( Henna Plant ) is a shrub or small tree that is native to tropical zones of Australia, Africa and Asia. The powdered leaves are the primary source of dye henna, a temporary tattoo ink commonly worn by bridal parties in India. And apparently used as a hair conditioner and dye. The plant itself is drought tolerant and is part of folklore medicines in some native countries.
Suitable for Sub-Tropical, Dry and Tropical climates.
Also commonly known as Hina, Egyptian Privet or the Mignonette Tree.
Here’s a method on how to make Henna powder from the leaves.
Growth
Lawsonia inermis is a flowering perennial that reaches heights of up to 7 metres (24 feet). but more often grows into a convenient shrub of 2 metres (7 feet). Henna thrives in extremely warm climates and produces higher yields between the temperatures 35-45°C / 95-113°F. In temperate climates such as Melbourne, plants must be brought indoors or protected over winter as they do not tolerate temperatures below 5°C /41°F. Extended periods below 10°C / 50°F can also cause damage to Egyptian Privets turning the leaves yellow or even causing them to fall off.
Shrubs grow multi-branched with leaves opposite to each other on the stem. Fragrant flowers of white, yellow and/or pink occur during Spring. Genuine yields for dye don’t begin until around their fourth year but will continue to produce for up to 30 years thereafter.
Germinating seeds requires higher than average temperatures with best results achieved at around 30°C / 86°F. They also need light and should be surface sown or only covered very lightly.
Though they are drought tolerant, growth is quicker during the wet season in their native habitat so adding moisture regularly will improve results.
FAMILY:
Lythraceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Tropical and Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5°C to 35°C / 41 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining, moist nutritious soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun or Part Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 6 metres (20 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 4 metres (14 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial, Evergreen.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium.
POLLINATION:
Self-pollinated.
MATURITY:
4-5 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
35-65%
GERMINATION TIME:
2 days cold stratification and then 2-3 weeks.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 150
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
No.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Store at Room Temperature 15°C (Cupboard) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT LAWSONIA INERMIS (Henna Plant)
Henna helps to improve hair health and is also a natural treatment for dandruff.
The earliest known use of the dye dates back to Ancient Egypt where it was used to stain mummies and mummy’s wrappings. In classical Greece, Henna was well known as a medicinal and cosmetic plant
Henna in mass production uses a large quantity of nutrients. For example, a yield of 1000 kg dry leaves removes about 180-190 kg of nitrogen, 100-150 kg of potassium and 10-30 kg of phosphate. In reverse, the same nutrients help to improve the quality of the flowering and the leaves of plants grown at home.
