Japanese name: ヘンナ Scientific name:Lawsonia inermis
[Overview]
An evergreen shrub or small tree 3–6 m in both height and spread.
In its native range it is found in dry shrubland along the coast.
It branches densely, and the tips of the twigs become thorns.
Leaves are simple and opposite, elliptic to lanceolate, 5 cm long and 2.5 cm wide, with pointed tips and entire margins.
If the temperature is sufficient, it flowers throughout the year.
Conical racemes at the branch tips bear many small 4-petaled flowers, white or deep pink, which are fragrant.
The fruit is a capsule.
[Uses]
A dye is made from the powdered leaves, and has long been used in ancient Egypt, India and elsewhere to dye skin, hair, nails and so on.
It is also used medicinally.
The flowers are a raw material for scented oil.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by cuttings.
To overwinter, keep it at 12°C or above.
It prefers sunny, well-drained soil.
Be careful not to overwater; water thoroughly after the soil has dried.
Light fertilizing is sufficient; apply a small amount while observing the plant's condition.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
