The up to 20-foot-high deciduous bush has opposite, lancet-shaped leaves and insignificant white to light red flowers. Henna is native to northern and eastern Africa, Madagascar , India , and the Sunda Islands . It prefers a hot climate and dry air. Henna is cultivated far beyond its original natural areas. Leaves dried and ground to a powder.
Historical Data
Henna has been known since ancient times as a dyestuff, but more for the skin and hair and nails than for textiles. As early as 3,200 BC, the Egyptians mixed henna and indigo to a paste to dye hair black.
