Lawsonia inermis (Henna)

Henna is a much-branched shrub or small tree 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 and nails. Plants may develop short spiny shoots and are also grown as hedges. The species has been introduced widely through cultivation. Photographed in Colombia.