Henna Plant

Approx. 20 cms plants.

English Names

Henna, Egyptian privet, Mignonette tree

(Lawsonia inermis)

Indian Names

Mehndi (Hindi - मेंहदी), Marudani (Tamil - மருதாணி), Gorintaaku (Telugu - గోరింటాకు)

Named Cultivars

Cultivars of Lawsonia inermis vary mainly in leaf yield and dye content, though specific named cultivars are not widely distinguished.

Origin and Spread

Henna is native to northern Africa, Asia, and northern Australasia. It has been cultivated for thousands of years for its dyeing properties and is now spread across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Plant Uses

Henna is primarily used for dyeing skin, hair, and fabrics. It also has medicinal applications, treating skin conditions and cooling the body. Henna flowers are used in perfumes, while its bark and seeds are used for their astringent properties.

Fruit are not edible

Henna produces small, dark-brown, capsule-shaped fruits that are not typically consumed.

Historical Health Benefits

Henna has been used for centuries to treat skin conditions like eczema and burns, and its cooling effect was used to lower body temperature in hot climates. It has recognised anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Ayurveda Applications

In Ayurveda, henna (Rakta Gunjaka) is used for its cooling, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties. It treats headaches, fevers, and skin ailments such as rashes and wounds.

Medical and Botanical Studies

- 2017, "Antifungal Activity of Lawsonia Inermis," Journal of Ethnopharmacology: Demonstrated lawsone’s effectiveness against fungal pathogens.

- 2018, "Lawsone: Bioactivities and Health Benefits," Frontiers in Plant Science: Explored lawsone's UV protection, wound healing, and antimicrobial properties.

Religious and Cultural Notes

Henna is deeply rooted in various cultural and religious practices. In Muslim cultures, it is used for skin art during Eid and weddings, and dyeing beards is considered a Sunnah. In Hindu traditions, brides are adorned with henna for good fortune and protection. Moroccan Jews use henna in weddings to bless couples. Henna may also be the plant referred to as kāfūr in the Qur’ān, with debate on whether it refers to henna or camphor.

Soil Preparation

Henna prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils and thrives in pH levels of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate alkaline soils as well.

Growing Conditions

pH Growing Conditions: 5.5 to 7.5

Sun or Shade Position: Full sun

5-Year Minimum Pot Size: 20L

Adult Full Size: 2-8 metres

Manageable Prune Size: 2-3 metres

Cold Tolerance: Ideal temperature range is 20°C to 35°C, though it tolerates temperatures down to 10°C.

Time to Fruit from Seed: 3 to 5 years

Watering Requirements

Henna is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.

Pests and Disease Management

Henna is resistant to most pests but can occasionally suffer from fungal infections in humid environments. Good drainage and minimal watering can prevent these problems.

Companion Plants Recommended and Why

Companion plants like marigold and basil help deter pests and attract beneficial insects when planted near henna.

Pollination

Henna flowers are pollinated by insects, especially bees.

Propagation

Henna can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Soaking seeds in warm water improves germination, while cuttings from mature wood are also effective for propagation.

Other Interesting Notes

Henna’s dyeing power comes from lawsone, a compound found in its leaves. Lawsone binds to keratin in hair and skin, creating a reddish-brown stain. It also absorbs UV light and has been used in sunscreens. In addition to henna leaves, lawsone is found in walnut shells and water hyacinth flowers, further highlighting henna’s versatility across cultures and uses.