Lawsonia inermis (Henna)

This much-branched shrub or small tree is cultivated for its dye-producing leaves and ornamental flowers. The foliage is opposite, smooth, and elliptical to oblong, while young branchlets may be sharply angled. Small, fragrant flowers grow in branching clusters, with crumpled petals and spreading stamens. Rounded capsules contain numerous seeds. The leaves provide the reddish brown henna dye traditionally used to color hair, skin and nails, as well as leather, silk and wool. Plants may develop short spiny shoots and are also grown as hedges. It tolerates drought and grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It can be propagated from seed or stem cuttings. Photographed in Colombia.