Maclura tinctoria
In Argentina
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Moraceae
Genus: Maclura
Species:
M. tinctoria
Binomial name
Maclura tinctoria
Synonyms[2]
  • Chlorophora tinctoria (L.) Benth. & Hook. f.
  • Maclura mora Griseb.
  • Morus tinctoria L.
In Colombia

Maclura tinctoria, known as old fustic and dyer's mulberry,[3] is a medium to large tree of the Neotropics, from Mexico to Argentina. It produces a yellow dye called fustic primarily known for coloring khaki fabric for U.S. military apparel during World War I.[citation needed] This dye contains the flavonoid morin.[4] It is dioecious, so both male and female plants are needed to set seed.[5]

The leaves can be used to feed silk worms.[6]

Old fustic is not to be confused with young fustic (Rhus cotinus) from southern Europe and Asia, which provides a more fugitive colour.

Dyeing

Fustic is a bright yellow dye that is very color-fast when used with mordants. It is frequently combined with other dyestuffs and various mordants to produce a range of yellow and greenish colors:[3]

References

  1. ^ Rivers, M.C.; Barstow, M.; Mark, J. (2017). "Maclura tinctoria". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T61886731A61886745. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T61886731A61886745.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Maclura tinctoria". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  3. ^ a b Goodwin, Jill (1982). A Dyer's Manual. London: Pelham Books Ltd. p. 60. ISBN 0-7207-1327-7.
  4. ^ "Morus tinctoria". Retrieved 20 February 2010.
  5. ^ Leite, Viviane Gonçalves; Mansano, Vidal Freitas; Pádua Teixeira, Simone (2018). "Floral development of Moraceae species with emphasis on the perianth and androecium". Flora. 240: 116–132. doi:10.1016/j.flora.2018.01.009.
  6. ^ Mabberley, D.J. (1997). The plant book: A portable dictionary of the vascular plants. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Categories