Henna (Lawsonia inermis)

Family: Lythraceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Lawsonia inermis, commonly known as Henna, hina, henna tree, mignonette tree and Egyptian privet, is a tall flowering shrub or small tree of about 7 m tall native to northern Africa, Asia, and northern Austalasia. It is much-branched and heavily-scented. The leaves are opposite and flowers are white or red in color. The fruits are small, brownish capsules.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry, coastal secondary scrub wasteland. Naturalized plants are often found in temporarily flooded river beds and riverine thickets, but also on hillsides and in rock crevices, at elevations up to 1,350 metres. (Zone 10)