Lawsonia Inermis (Mehendi Plant)
Lawsonia inermis, also known as henna, is a flowering plant and one of the only two species of the genus Lawsonia, with the other being Lawsonia odorata. The plant is native to dry, coastal scrublands of North Africa, the Middle East, and portions of southern Asia, and has naturalized in parts Africa and northern Australia. The plant is a large, evergreen shrub or small tree with a densely branched habit that can reach up to 20 feet tall with an equal spread. The leaves grow opposite each other on the stem. They are glabrous, sub-sessile, elliptical, and lanceolate (long and wider in the middle; average dimensions are 1.5–5.0 cm x 0.5–2 cm or .6–2 in x 0.2–0.8 in), acuminate (tapering to a long point), and have depressed veins on the dorsal surface. Henna flowers have four sepals and a 2 mm (0.079 in) calyx tube, with 3 mm (0.12 in) spread lobes. Its petals are ovate, with white or red stamens found in pairs on the rim of the calyx tube. The ovary is four-celled, 5 mm (0.20 in) long, and erect. Henna fruits are small, brownish capsules, 4–8 mm (0.16–0.31 in) in diameter, with 32–49 seeds per fruit, and open irregularly into four splits. The leaves of the henna plant contain a natural coloring pigment that is used for temporary body art.
Planting: Henna plants can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or grafts. If you’re planting from seeds, soak them in water overnight to speed up germination. Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep in good quality seed starting mix. Germination usually occurs within one to two weeks after sowing.
Watering: During the henna’s planting period, water it once every week. As fall and winter approach, watering should gradually decrease.
Mulching: Spread a 4-5 inch thick layer of mulch around the henna tree at the beginning of each spring. This helps protect the roots of the tree, prevents weed growth, and keeps the soil moist.
Pruning: Prune your henna tree regularly to control its growth and maintain its shape. The plant should be stripped of all injured and dead branches.
Fertilizing: Henna trees require regular fertilization to thrive. Apply a balanced fertilizer every three months during the growing season.
Harvesting: Henna leaves are usually harvested when the plant is 3-4 years old. Harvesting is done by cutting off the top 5-6 inches of new growth from each branch.
Here are some step-by-step instructions for taking care of Lawsonia inermis:
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