henna

henna, name for a reddish or black hair dye obtained from the powdered leaves and young shoots of the mignonette tree, or henna shrub (Lawsonia inermis), an Old World shrub of the loosestrife family. Henna dye has long been in use, as evidenced by Egyptian mummies; the dye is also to decorate the skin with designs.

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henna

Tropical shrub or small tree (Lawsonia inermis) of the loosestrife family, native to northern Africa, Asia, and Australia, and the reddish-brown dye obtained from its leaves. The plant bears small opposite leaves and small, fragrant, white to red flowers. In addition to being grown for its dye, it is used as an ornamental.

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henna

1. a lythraceous shrub or tree, Lawsonia inermis, of Asia and N Africa, with white or reddish fragrant flowers

2. a reddish-brown or brown colour

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henna [′hen·ə]

(botany)

Lawsonia inermis.An Old World plant having small opposite leaves and axillary panicles of white flowers; a reddish-brown dye extracted from the leaves is used in hair dyes. Also known as Egyptian henna.