Natural Product Radiance, Vol. 7(2), 2008, pp.

154-165 Explorer:Research Paper

Traditional dye yielding plants of Uttarakhand, India

R D Gaur
Department of Botany, HNB Garhwal University
Srinagar (Garhwal)-246 174, Uttarakhand, India
E-mail: rd_gaur@sancharnet.in, sharmacmin@indiatimes.com; Phone: 01388-52415
Received 24 April 2007; Accepted 12 October 2007

Abstract aspects of folk utilization have been

The present paper is based on extensive survey, collection of ethnobotanical information reported13-22. Dyes are one of the most
and review of relevant literature on the vegetable dye yielding resources of Uttarakhand Himalaya. important uses of the plants, as it relates
The study reports 106 dye yielding plants (belonging to 63 families), along with their vernacular with cultural practices, rituals, arts and
names, habit, part(s) used, nature of dye and distribution. It also describes preparation of dyeing crafts, fabrics and to satisfy personal
stuffs, use of mordants and specific dye utilization to serve various purposes, including several of
the new dye resources.
embodiment, however, dye yielding plants
Keywords: Plant dyes, Mordants, Indigenous traditional knowledge, Value based uses, have not received significant attention. It
Conservation. was Atkinson23 who enlisted some dye
IPC code; Int. cl.8 — C09B 61/00 yielding plants of Kumaon and Garhwal
(NW) Himalaya and in the recent years
Introduction including natural dyes. Joshi and Pande, Kala, Singh, Roy et al
Uttarakhand, is the newly The state also represents rich reported some dye yielding plants from
established state of India, located in the biodiversity in terms of forests, meadows, the region24-27. A few publications28-32 on
North-West part of India, in between scrubs, crops, riparian life forms, wild the vegetable dyes from India, West Bengal,
28°44′-31°25′N and 77°35′-81°2′E, and life, etc. of which higher plants received Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, etc. have
acquires 53,483 sq km geographical area. significant attention for various folk generated a fresh interest on this aspect.
It has an unique physiographic setting utilization. Even today, majority of Furthermore, now there has been an
encompassing through tarai-bhabar, requirements are fulfilled from the increasing awareness to use non
siwaliks, lesser Himalaya and the great ambient surroundings. Tribal problematic eco-friendly dyes in the
Himalaya, covering the elevation from 300 communities as well as other inhabitants industries, which has resulted into more
- 6000 m above sea level (asl) in the great are the repository of knowledge on various reliance on the vegetable resources.
Himalaya. However, the villages are settled aspects of plant utilization, however, Considering the importance of indigenous
up to the elevation of 2800 m and rearing transformation into botanical system of knowledge and future prospects of dyes,
of cattle and sheep approached to 4000 many uses remained untapped. the present paper is an attempt to record
m asl. The population of the state is On account of diverse plant some information of dye yielding plants
heterogeneous, associated with several wealth, the systematic aspects of the of Uttarakhand Himalaya.
tribal communities like Bokshas, region was undertaken by several workers,
Bhotias, Gujjars, Marchchas, some of the significant contributors Materials and Methods
Tolchas, Jaunsaris, Koltas, include Duthie, Osmaston, Rau, Gupta, Extensive field survey and plant
Gangwal, Ban-rauat, etc. The main Babu, Raizada and Saxena, Rajwar and collection were undertaken from various
occupation of the locales is agriculture, Gupta, Kala and Gaur, Gaur and Bartwal, remote localities of the state, since July
1-12
substantiated with livestock farming. Gaur, Rawat et al and others . Likewise 1995 to June 2005 and the information
Bhotias, Marchchas, Tolchas and to floristic inventories, ethnobotanical was recorded on the various aspects of
Gangwal are well versed with sheep studies had also attracted large number dye yielding resources, along with their
farming and wool based profession, of workers and various interdisciplinary

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ethnobotanical studies. The methodology recently plant dyes regain their Rhododendron lepidotum Wall. ex
for collection of plant samples and importance, on account of their non- G. Don (leaf, flower), Rimelia
recording of ethnobotanical information problematic and eco-friendly nature, as reticulata (Taylor) Hale & Fletcher
of dye yielding plants have been adopted compared to synthetic dyes which are (whole plant), Semecarpus
as per recommended procedure33-35. The suspected to cause several environmental anacardium Linn. f. (fruit), Sophora
voucher specimens have been deposited and health hazards. Keeping in view the mollis (Royle) Grahm ex Baker
in the Herbarium, HNB Garhwal significance of natural dyes, some aspects (root), Tamarindus indica Linn.
University, Srinagar (GUH), with the of the resources from a rich biodiversity (leaf), Urtica dioica Linn. (root),
collector’s number. The detailed state Uttarakhand, are briefly mentioned Wrightia arborea (Dennst.) Mabb.
information on dye yielding plants was hereunder. (bark, leaf), Zanthoxylum armatum
recorded through personal interviews with DC. (bark), etc.
the old folk including some priest and Survey and Distribution Dye yielding plants are
elderly women folk, and people associated In the present context, search and distributed throughout the vegetation
with trade of woollen fabrics as well as retrieval of indigenous traditional zones of Uttarakhand from tarai-bhabar
craft objects. Simultaneously pertinent knowledge on natural dyes of Uttarakhand to alpine zones. Approximate distribution
literature on the subject has also been revealed significant resource based based on elevation range represented
consulted. The dye yielding plants information. Dye yielding plants 9 species in alpine zones (above 3200m
recorded from various parts of the state numbered 106 species belonging to 63 asl), 9 species in subalpine or higher
have been enumerated in Table 1, wherein families (Table 1). Majority of dye montane zones (2500-3200m), 39 species
the plant species are arranged in resources belong to dicotyledones with the in temperate like montane zones (1500-
alphabetical order with correct botanical exception of 4 - monocots, 3 - 2500m), 37 species in tarai-bhabar to
names, followed by vernaculars and family gymnosperms and 3 - lichens. Perusal of siwalik ranges and 22 species extend their
name, habit, plant part(s) used, nature literature indicated several little known distribution from sub-Himalayan tracts to
of dye and their distribution range (in dye yielding plants11, 24, 26 i. e. Acacia montane zones, i.e. sharing their
elevation). nilotica (Linn.) Willd. ex Del. (fruit), occurrence in both the altitudinal zones.
Actaea acuminata Wall. ex Royle Majority of dye yielding resources are of
Results and Discussion (seed), Aesculus indica (Colebr. ex common occurrence, however, some have
Prior to the discovery of synthetic Camb.) Hook. (bark), Agrimonia shown rare availability, on account of their
dyes, the natural dyes had been in pilosa Ledeb. (bark), Averrhoa over exploitation or localised distribution.
continuous exploration and excessive carambola Linn. (bark, fruit), Careya Important species under the category
utilization. However, in 1856 W.H. Perkin arborea Roxb. (bark), Corylus includes: Actaea acuminata,
while searching for the cure of malaria, jacquemontii Decne (fruit), Arnebia benthamii (Wall. ex G.
accidentally oxidized coal-tar derivative Cupressus torulosa D. Don (leaf), Don) John., Bischofia javanica
aniline, the first artificial mauve dye36. This Daphne papyracea Wall. ex Steud. Blume, Datisca cannabina Linn.,
discovery led to an advance domain of (bark, fruit), Hypericum Nardostachys grandiflora, Onosma
synthetic dyes, replacing the natural dyes. oblongifolium Choisy (flower), hispidum Wall. ex D. Don, Sophora
Thus, for the last many years synthetic dyes Nardostachys grandiflora Royle mollis, Taxus baccata Linn. ssp.
dominated, however, some of them like (inflorescence), Oroxylum indicum wallichiana (Zucc.) Pilger, etc.
Annatto, Henna, Logwood, Indigo, Katha (Linn.) Vent. (bark, fruit),
(Cutch), Madder, Red Sandal, Saffron, Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis Dye yielding plant parts and dye nature
Turmeric, etc. ever remained in demand (Hardw.) Mabb. (flower), Pinus Dyes under utilization are
for their distinct qualities. Moreover, wallichiana A. B. Jackson (bark), produced from various parts of the plant,

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i.e. root, rhizome, stem, bark, leaf, flower, Dahlia, Chrysanthemum, Hibiscus, dyes depends on the use of mordants and
fruit, seed or whole plant, even in few Mirabilis, Malvaviscus and Rosa, experience of a person to bring refinement
cases resin or gum [Acacia nilotica, which are instantly used in Holi, or other in particular dye or specific preparation.
Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) festivals and rituals. Fruit rind of Acacia
Merr.] and stem galls (Pistacia nilotica, Aegle marmelos (Linn.) Method of dye preparation
khinjuk Stocks, Terminalia Correa ex Roxb., Aesculus indica, Techniques of extraction of dyes
chebula Retz.) also yield dye. The Emblica officinalis Gaertn. syn. depend upon the specific part of the plant
important dyes extracted from roots or Phyllanthus emblica Linn., Juglans resource. To extract dye from
underground parts include Beta regia Linn., Mallotus philippensis underground root or rhizome, stem or
vulgaris Linn., Curcuma domestica (Lam.) Muell.-Arg and Punica bark, the material is cut into pieces,
Valeton, Datisca cannabina, Rubia granatum are of common use. soaked in water for two to three days and
cordifolia Linn., Agrimonia pilosa, Sometimes pulp of fruit of Artocarpus made into paste. After squeezing and
Hedychium spicatum Buch.-Ham. ex heterophyllus, A. lakoocha, Aegle filtration, the whole extract is boiled and
Sm., Rumex hastatus D. Don, marmelos, Averrhoa carambola, concentrated by repeated heating, subject
Sophora mollis, Urtica dioica, Berberis spp., Emblica officinalis, to specific requirement. For fruits and
Berberis spp., etc. Stem or bark is the Myrica esculenta, Prinsepia utilis fruits-rind, the material is squeezed into
important dye source in Acacia catechu Royle, Syzygium cuminii (Linn.) juice and added with required water. This
(Linn. f.) Willd., Aesculus indica, Skeels, etc. are also made into dyes. solution is kept for 2-5 days in iron or
Alnus nepalensis D. Don, Whole plants used in dyes commonly earthern pots. In case of ‘Kamala’
Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam., A. include lichens and herbaceous green (Mallotus philippensis) the ripe fruits
lakoocha Roxb., Bauhinia plants. Generally chlorophyll, the source are collected and allowed to lie in heap.
racemosa Lam., Careya arborea, of green colour is easily extracted with The powdered dye stuff of the fruit surface
Celtis australis Linn., Engelhardtia the help of many solvents, therefore, large is separated through rubbing the fruits
spicata Lesch. ex Blume, Euonymus number of plants are preferred to extract manually or sometimes fruits collected in
tingens Wall., Lagerstroemia green dye, i.e. from the leaves of a sac and externally pressed to isolate the
parviflora Roxb., Myrica esculenta Adhatoda zeylanica Medik., dye powder. The floral parts and leaves,
Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don, Pinus Amaranthus spp., Cinnamomum when used for dye, are crushed and
wallichiana, Rheum spp., Taxus tamala (Buch.-Ham.) Nees ex dissolved in water for 12-24 hours,
baccata ssp. wallichiana, Eberm., Cupressus torulosa D. Don, followed with gentle heating for the
Symplocos spp., etc. Floral dyes include Rumex hastatus, R. nepalensis required concentration. In broader sense
Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze, Spreng., Spinacia oleracea Linn., etc. methods of extraction of dyes are more
Grevillea robusta A. Cunningh. ex The actual nature of dye colour or less similar to various population of
R. Br., Indigofera atropurpurea varies from plant to plant and their parts India25, 30-32, however, variations are based
Buch.-Ham. ex Hornem., I. (Table 1), including methods followed in on the specific fibre requirement and use
heterantha Wall. ex Brandis, the dye preparations. Except for a few cases of mordants for colour fastness. These
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn., (Acacia catechu, Cinnamomum mordants also result into variation in dye
Punica granatum Linn., tamala, Juglans regia, Mallotus colour, even same dye can produce
Rhododendron arboretum Sm., philippensis, Prinsepia utilis, different colours using different
Tagetes erecta Linn., T. patula Punica granatum, Rubia cordifolia, mordants37. Several of the vegetable dyes
Linn., Toona hexandra (Wall. ex Symplocos ramosissima Wall. ex G. are used as mordants and usage of mixture
Roxb.) M. Roem., Woodfordia Don, Woodfordia fruticosa, etc.) of dyestuff is a common practice. Light
fruticosa (Linn.) Kurz and several most of the natural dyes are feeble in solution of organic manure, cow dung or
others locally cultivated species of nature. Therefore, fastness or longevity of urine, cream of tartar, curd water, ash of

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wood or bark, rock salt, lemon juice, lime Among the local population dyes from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, three
water are common mordants used by the Acacia catechu, Artocarpus spp., myrobalams and some lichens (species of
locales. Extract from dye yielding parts of Juglans regia, Rheum spp., Rubia Everniastrum, Rimelia and Usnia).
several plants such as species of manjith, Mallotus philippensis, Green colour from the leaves of
Achyranthes, Adhatoda, Anogeissus, Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis, Taxus Adhatoda zeylanica, Cinnamomum
Artemisia, Cinnamomum, Geranium, baccata ssp. wallichiana and tamala, Cupressus torulosa,
Punica, Rhododendron, Rumex, Woodfordia fruticosa are believed to Rumex nepalensis, Solanum
Solanum, Tamarindus, Tectona, be superior for woollen and silk fabrics, nigrum, Spinacia oleracea, etc. are
etc. are occasionally used as mordants. whereas large number of dyes extracted often used in sweet preparations. Dyes
Primitive methods of mordant utilization from Ampelocissus latifolia (Roxb.) from Arnebia benthamii, Cyperus
also include to keep the dye solution in Planch., Aegle marmelos, Butea scariosus, Datisca cannabina,
earthern, iron, copper, or aluminium pots, monosperma, Curcuma domestica, Everniastrum sp., Parmelia sp.,
and to add tanniniferous materials like Cinnamomum tamala, Geranium Rimelia sp. of lichens, Geranium
extract of tea, coffee, cinnamomum and nepalense, Lannea coromandelica, nepalense, G. wallichianum, Myrica
senna bark, etc. With the advancement of Lagerstroemia parviflora, Peristrophe esculenta, Rheum webbianum,
knowledge, weak salts of Iron, Chromium, paniculata, Toona hexandra and Rhododendron arboreum, Symplocos
Aluminium and Tin have been used in the several others are preferred for dyeing paniculata and Terminalia bellirica
dye preparations. Now various chemical rough weaving and other textile fibres. added to flavour beverages and locally
salts available in the market succeeded in Dyes from Curcuma prepared drugs.
the usage of mordants, a few are domestica, C. aromatica, Celtis A few decades back ink was
Aluminium or Potassium sulphate, australis, Euonymus tingens, prepared from the local resources.
Potassium dichromate, Ferrous sulphate, Grewia optiva, G. subinaequalis, Commonly used plants yielding ink dye
Sodium carbonate, Sodium bicarbonate, Hedychium spicatum, Hippophae include Acacia catechu, A. nilotica,
Stannous chloride, etc. used by local salicifolia, Lawsonia inermis, Alnus nepalensis, Anogeissus
experts to bring refinement in dyeing art37. Impatiens balsamina, Mirabilis latifolia, Datisca cannabina,
jalapa, Mallotus philippensis and Emblica officinalis, Hedychium
Dye uses Everniastrum cirrhatum (Fr.) Hale spicatum, Juglans regia, Punica
Commonly the dyes are used for are commonly used for body adornment. granatum, Semecarpus
local requirements, however, some of Arnebia benthamii, Juglans regia, anacardium, Terminalia bellirica,
these have significant commercial values. Lawsonia inermis, Emblica T. chebula, and Zanthoxylum
Acacia catechu, Anogeissus officinalis, Onosma hispidum, armatum. For ink preparation, dye
latifolia (Roxb. ex DC.) Wall. ex Rheum spp., Sophora mollis and yielding part is gently heated with water
Bedd., Arnebia benthamii, Berberis Urtica dioica are some of the plants followed with filtration and solution is
spp., Cinnamomum tamala, used as hair-care dyes. kept in earthern pots, added with some
Hedychium spicatum, Juglans Crocos sativa (Kesar) though mordants (Alum, lac, tatri, etc.) or a little
regia, Lawsonia inermis Linn., still commercial cultivation trials are not vegetable laxative gums (Acacia
Mallotus philippensis, Punica successful in Uttarakhand, however, catechu, Bauhinia retusa, Bombax
granatum, Rheum spp., Rubia manjith, frequently used as dyestuff in food ceiba, Shorea robusta and Ziziphus
Symplocos spp., Terminalia bellirica preparations. The other indigenous dyes mauritiana).
(Gaertn.) Roxb., T. chebula, used for the purpose include Beta In the long past minerals were
Woodfordia fruticosa and some vulgaris, Datisca cannabina, common dyestuffs used in rock
lichens are exploited, particularly in Mallotus philippensis, Punica paintings 38, however, presently some
perfume, leather and textile industries. granatum, Rheum moorcroftianum, minerals (red or yellow soil rich in iron

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and copper compounds) together with

plant dyes i.e. Acacia catechu,
Aesculus indica, Citrus spp.,
Juglans regia, Mallotus
philippensis, Prinsepia utilis,
Toona hexandra, etc. are used in wall
paintings and decorating wooden crafts,
particularly practiced by Bokshas
community.
Foregoing account reveals that
inhabitants of Uttarakhand exhibit variety
of dye yielding resources and usage
pattern, use of dyes in various fabrics (silk,
wool, other textile fibres), food, perfumes,
personal adornment, beverages, drugs,
household articles, rituals and festivals,
reflects close affinities of folk populace
with the dyeing art. In the recent times
plant dyes have increased their demand
at local to global level; therefore, an urgent
need to promote the production of natural
dyes with refined and efficient
technologies is warranted. By adopting
such measures dye resources could be
supportive in the development of
concerned industries, as well as
sustainable rural economy.

Conclusion
With the modern phases of
development the dyes have become the
most important resources, owing to their
multifarious utilization, including an
emerging branch of medicine i.e.
chromotherapy, greatly depends on natural
colouring dyes 39. There has been an
increasing awareness of pollution
problems related to synthetic dye
industries, as well as these dyes include Figs. 1-13: 1. Benthamidia capitata; 2. Curcuma domestica;
3. Indigofera atropurpurea; 4. Rheum moorcroftianum; 5. Toona serrata;
some toxic chemicals leading to allergies 6. Rhododendron lepidotum; 7. Arnebia benthamii; 8. Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis;
and other health hazards. Therefore, the 9. Aesculus indica; 10. Butea monosperma; 11. Nardostachys grandiflora;
dye use, associated with textile, food, 12. Cupressus torulosa; 13. Hedychium spicatum
beverages, perfumes, lotions, and
158 Natural Product Radiance
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medicines requires special safety

measures, and as such currently instead
of synthetic dyes, the plant dyes are
receiving great attention in view of their
non toxic, less or non allergic, degradable
and eco-friendly nature. Consequently,
fresh revelation on availability and
possible utilization of vegetable dyes is in
the progressive state.
The art of dyeing is lucrative as
well as interesting and throughout the
globe dyeing is associated with various
social-cultural systems. In Uttarakhand
Himalaya certain tribal populations such
as Bhotias, Gangis, Marchchas and
Tolchas are greatly dependent on
woollen-based cottage industries; and the
other inhabitants often use dyes for their
requirements in textile, rough weaving
fibres and household art and craft objects.
Usually methods of collection and
extraction of dyes are still crude and
traditional, only some experts related to
cottage industries are well versed with
dyeing procedures, including knowledge
of a few selected synthetic dyes, as such
plenty of materials are improperly
exhausted in the procedure.
Moreover, the attraction of
natural dyes has been increasing instead
of the difficulties in procuring the
desired resources, ignorance of colours
and modration processes. Particularly
with reference to Uttarakhand, the
vegetable resources are under high
stress, as many of them constitute
significant multiple economic resources,
especially of medicinal value. Actaea
Figs. 14-26: 14. Rumex hastatus; 15. Erythrina suberosa; 16. Hippophae salicifolia; acuminata, Arnebia benthamii,
17. Osbeckia stellata; 18. Punica granatum; 19. Mallotus philippensis; Berberis aristata, B. asiatica, B.
20. Corylus jacquemontii; 21. Lannea coromandelica; 22. Rhododendron arboreum;
23. Pinus wallichiana; 24. Taxus baccata ssp. wallichiana; 25. Urtica dioica;
chitria, Datisca cannabina,
26. Peristrophe paniculata Euonymus tingens, Geranium
wallichianum, Hedychium spicatum,

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 Table 1: Dye yielding plants of Uttarakhand

160
Name of the species Vernacular name Family Habit Dye yielding plant part(s) Dye produced Altitute (m)

Abrus precatorius Linn. Ratti Fabaceae Cl Seeds Black 300-1200

Acacia catechu (Linn. f.) Willd. Khair/Katha Mimosaceae Tr Bark/wood Dark-brown 300-1200
*Acacia nilotica (Linn.) Willd. ex Del. Babul -do- Tr Fruit rind/gum Black 300-1000
Achyranthes aspera Linn. Latjiri Amaranthaceae H Whole plant Black-brown 300-2000
Achyranthes bidentata Blume Latjiri -do- H Whole plant Black-brown 300-2000
*Actaea acuminata Wall. ex Royle Maneru Ranunculaceae H Seeds Reddish-green 2200-2800
Adhatoda zeylanica Medik. Vashik Acanthaceae Sh Leaves Yellow-green 300-2000
Aegle marmelos (Linn.) Correa ex Roxb. Bel Rutaceae Tr Fruits Yellow 300-1200
*Aesculus indica (Colebr. ex Camb.) Hook. Pangar Hippocastanaceae Tr Bark Brown 1500-2500
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*Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. Velu Rosaceae H Roots Yellow 1200-2500

Alnus nepalensis D. Don Utish Ulmaceae Tr Bark Red 1100-2600
Ampelocissus latifolia (Roxb.) Planch. Chamrendu Vitaceae Cl Roots Black 1000-2000
Annona squamosa Linn. Sharifa Annonaceae H Fruits Yellow 350-1000
Anogeissus latifolius (Roxb. ex DC.) Dhauri Combretaceae Tr Leaves Black 300-1200
Wall. ex Bedd.
Arnebia benthamii (Wall. ex G. Don) John. Ratanjot Boraginaceae H Roots Red 3000-4000
Artemisia japonica Thunb. Kunja Asteraceae H Leaves Brown 350-1800
Artemisia nilagirica (C.B. Clarke) Pamp. Kunja -do- H Leaves Brown 350-1800
Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. Kathal Moraceae Tr Fruits/wood Yellow 300-1200
Artocarpus lakoocha Buch.-Ham. Dhau -do- Tr Fruits/wood Yellow 300-1200
*Averrhoa carambola Linn. Kamrakh Averrhoaceae Tr Fruits Yellow-brown 300-800
Bauhinia racemosa Lam. Kachnar Caesalpiniaceae Tr Bark Light-green 350-1500
Bauhinia variegata Linn. Guiral -do- Tr Flowers Purple 350-1400
Benthamidia capitata (Wall. ex Roxb.) Bhamur Cornaceae Tr Fruits Red 1500-2500
Hara
Berberis aristata DC. Kilmor Berberidaceae Sh Bark/roots Yellow 1800-2700
Berberis asiatica Roxb. Kilmor -do- Sh Bark/roots Yellow 300-2000
Berberis chitria Lindl. Chotar -do- Sh Bark/roots Yellow 1800-2500
Beta vulgaris Linn. Chakundar Chenopodiaceae H Roots Red 300-600

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 Name of the species Vernacular name Family Habit Dye yielding plant part(s) Dye produced Altitute (m)

Bischofia javanica Blume Katsemla Euphorbiaceae Tr Bark/seeds Black 300-1000

Brugmansia suaveolens (Humb. & Bonpl.) Bara-dhatura Solanaceae Sh Leaves Green 1000-2000
Bercht. & Persl.
Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze Dhak, Teshu Fabaceae Tr Flowers Yellow-orange 300-1000

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*Careya arborea Roxb. Kumbi Lecythidaceae Tr Bark Yellow 300-800
Cassia fistula Linn. Amaltas Caesalpiniaceae Tr Bark/fruits Brown 300-1200
Celtis australis Linn. Kharik Ulmaceae Tr Bark Yellow 300-1500
Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) Tejpat Lauraceae Tr Leaves Brown 1200-2000
Nees ex Eberm.
Cladonia verticillata (Hoffm.) Schaer. Cholara Cladoniaceae L Whole plant Yellow-red 2000-2500
*Corylus jacquemontii Decne Kapasi Corylaceae Tr Fruits rind Camel 2000-2500
Cupressus torulosa D. Don Surai Cupressaceae Tr Leaves Green 1800-2500
Curcuma aromatica Salib. Van-haldi Zingiberaceae H Rhizome Yellow 350-2000
Curcuma domestica Valeton Haldi -do- H Rhizome Yellow 2000-2500
Cyperus scariosus R. Br. Nagarmotha Cypersaceae H Roots Brown 300-2500
*Daphne papyracea Wall. ex Steud. Satpura Thymelaeaceae Sh Bark/fruits Red 2000-2500
*Datisca cannabina Linn. Bujr-Bhang Datiscaceae Sh Roots Yellowish-red 1200-1500
Emblica officinalis Gaertn. syn. Anwla Euphorbiaceae Tr Fruits/bark Blue-black 300-1400
Phyllanthus emblica Linn.
Engelhardtia spicata Lesch. ex Blume Mahwa Juglandaceae Tr Bark Dark brown 1200-1500
Erythrina suberosa Roxb. Madar Fabaceae Tr Flower/bark Dark brown 800-1400
Euonymus tingens Wall. Konk Celastraceae Tr Bark Yellow 1500-2200
Everniastrum cirrhatum (Fr.) Hale Jhau, Charata Parmeliaceae Tr Whole plant Red brown 2000-2500
Geranium nepalense Sweet Syunli Geraniaceae H Roots Red 800-1400
Geranium wallichianum D. Don ex Sweet Syunli - H Roots Red-brown 2500-3500
Grevillea robusta A. Cunnigh. ex R. Br. Silver-Oak Proteaceae Tr Flowers Yellow 300-1500
Grewia optiva Drumm. ex Burr. Bhimal Tiliaceae Tr Fruits Yellow-orange 800-1500
Grewia subinaequalis DC. Phalsa Tiliaceae Tr Fruits Yellow-orange 300-1500
Hedychium spicatum Buch.-Ham. ex Sm. Bagaldu Zingiberaceae H Rhizome Yellow 1000-1200
Hippophae salicifolia D. Don Chuk Elaeagnaceae Sh Fruits Yellow 1800-3000
*Hypericum oblongifolium Choisy Basant Hypericaceae H Flowers Yellow 1000-2800

161
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 Name of the species Vernacular name Family Habit Dye yielding plant part(s) Dye produced Altitute (m)

162
Impatiens balsamina Linn. Gulmehndi Balsaminaceae H Flowers Red 1000-1800
Indigofera atropurpurea Buch.-Ham. ex Kala-Sakina Fabaceae Sh Flowers Purple 1000-1800
Hornem.
Indigofera heterantha Wall. ex Brandis Sakina Fabaceae Sh Flowers Pink-purple 1000-2000
Juglans regia Linn. Akhrot Juglandaceae Tr Bark/fruits Camel/brown 1500-2800
Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb. Dhaura Lythraceae Sh Bark Black 300-800
Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr. Kalmina Anacardiaceae Tr Bark/resin Yellow-brown 350-1200
Lawsonia insermis Linn. Mehndi Lythraceae Sh Leaves Yellow-orange 300-1200
Madhuca longifolia (Koen.) MacBride Mahwa Sapotaceae Tr Bark Yellow-brown 300-700
Mahonia borealis Takeda Bara-tolar Berberidaceae Sh Bark/roots Yellow 2000-3000
Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Muell.-Arg. Ruina Euphorbiaceae Tr Fruits Red-orange 600-1500
Mirabilis jalapa Linn. Gulabans Nyctaginaceae H Flowers Pink-red 400-2000
Explorer:Research Paper

Myrica esculenta Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don Kaphal Myricaceae Tr Bark/fruits Red-yellow 1600-2500

*Nardostachys grandiflora Royle Jatamasi Valerianaceae H Inflorescence Red 3000-4200
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. Harsingar Oleaceae Tr Flowers Yellow-orange 600-1500
Onosma hispidum Wall. ex D. Don Ratnajot Boraginaceae H Roots Red 3000-4000
*Oroxylum indicum (Linn.) Vent. Tantia Bignoniaceae Tr Bark/fruits Black 800-1400
Osbeckia stellata Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don Kukrya-Makuri Melastomaceae H Fruits Brown 800-1600
Peristrophe paniculata (Forsk.) Brum. Ban Patrang Acanthaceae Tr Whole plant Greenish 300-2000
Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis (Hardw.) Mabb. Lalnya -do- Sh Flowers Orange-Yellow 600-1200
*Pinus wallichiana A.B. Jackson Kail Pinaceae Tr Bark Black 1800-2500
Pistacia khinjuk Stocks Kakrasingi Anacardiaceae Tr Stem galls Brown 800-1000
Prinsepia utilis Royle Bhainkal Rosaceae Sh Fruits Blue 1400-3000
Prunus cerasoides D. Don Panyyan -do- Tr Fruits Yellowish 1800-2500
Psidium guajava Linn. Amraood Myrtaceae Tr Fruits Black-brown 350-1400
Punica granatum Linn. Darim Punicaceae Tr Flowers/fruits Yellow-red 300-1200
Rheum moorcroftianum Royle Archu Polygonaceae H Roots Yellow 3200-4000
Rheum webbianum Royle Dalu -do- H Roots Yellow 3000-4000
Rhododendron arboreum Sm. Burans Ericaceae Tr Flowers Red 1400-3000
*Rhododendron lepidotum Wall. ex G. Don Taglisha -do- Sh Leaves/flowers Pink-red 3000-3600
Rimelia reticulata (Taylor) Hale & Fletcher Charata Parmeliaceae L Whole plant Orange-yellow 2500-3500
Rubia cordifolia Linn. Manjith Rubiaceae H Whole plant Red-brown 1500-3500

Natural Product Radiance

 Name of the species Vernacular name Family Habit Dye yielding plant part(s) Dye produced Altitute (m)

Rumex hastatus D. Don Almorya Polygonaceae H Roots Yellow-green 800-1800

Rumex nepalensis Spreng. Kathura -do- H Roots Yellow-green 800-1800
*Semecarpus anacardium Linn. f. Bhilwa Anacardiaceae Tr Fruits Black 350-1200
Sophora mollis (Royle) Graham ex Baker Peeli-Sakina Fabaceae Sh Roots/Flowers Brown/Yellow 800-1200

Vol 7(2) March-April 2008

Symplocos paniculata (Thunb.) Miq. Lodh Symplocaceae Sh Bark/leaves Yellow 1500-2500
Symplocos ramosissima Wall. ex G.Don Lodh -do- Sh Bark/leaves Yellow 2000-2600
Syzygium cuminii (Linn.) Skeels Jamun Myrtaceae Tr Bark/fruits Black/purple 350-1500
Tagetes erecta Linn. Genda Asteraceae H Flowers Yellow 300-2000
*Tamarindus indica Linn. Imli Caesalpiniaceae Tr Leaves Reddish-yellow 300-1200
Taxus baccata Linn. ssp. wallichiana Thuner Taxaceae Tr Bark Red 2600-3200
(Zucc.) Pilger
Tectona grandis Linn. f. Saigon Verbenaceae Tr Leaves/bark Reddish 300-1300
Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. Bahera Combretaceae Tr Fruits Blue 300-1200
Terminalia chebula Retz. Haira -do- Tr Fruits/galls Yellow 300-1300
Toona hexandra (Wall. ex Roxb.) M. Roem. Toon Meliaceae Tr Flowers/seeds Yellow-brown 300-1400
ssp. hexandra var. gamblei (DC.)
Almeida & Almeida
Toona serrata (Royle) M. Roem. Pahari-toon -do- Tr Flowers/seeds Yellow-brown 1200-2400
Usnia verticillata (Hoffm.) Schaer. Chulau Usneaceae L Whole plant Red brown 2800-3200
*Urtica dioica Linn. Kandali Urticaceae Sh Roots Brown-black 300-2800
Woodfordia fruticosa (Linn.) Kurz Dhaula Lythraceae Sh Flower/leaves Red-yellow 300-1500
*Wrightia arborea (Dennst.) Mabb. Darula Apocynaceae Tr Bark/leaves Yellow-pal 300-1500
*Zanthoxylum armatum DC. Timur Rutaceae Sh Bark Brown 300-2000

* Little known dye yielding plants

H - Herb, Sh- Shrub, Tr - Tree, Cl - Climber, L - Lichens

163
Explorer:Research Paper
Explorer:Research Paper

Mahonia borealis, Nardostachys 5. Gupta RK, Flora Nainitalensis, Navyug 16. Jain SK, Dictionary of Indian Folk Medicine
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