Maclura tinctoria
Species of tree
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
| Maclura tinctoria | |
|---|---|
| |
| In Argentina | |
Scientific 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] | |
| |
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]
- With woad or indigo: bright or Saxon greens
- With bichromate of potash: old gold
- With logwood and bichromate of potash: greenish yellows
- With copper sulfate: olive greens
- With ferrous sulfate: dark greens