Category:Henna

Hen"na, n. Etym: [Ar. hinna alcanna (Lawsonia inermis or alba). Cf. Alcanna, Alkanet, Orchanet.]

1. (Bot.)

Defn: A thorny tree or shrub of the genus Lawsonia (L. alba). The fragrant white blossoms are used by the Buddhists in religious ceremonies. The powdered leaves furnish a red coloring matter used in the East to stain the hails and fingers, the manes of horses, etc.

2. (Com.)

Defn: The leaves of the henna plant, or a preparation or dyestuff made from them.