A plant growing in Africa and many parts of the East; the colouring matter being much in request for dyeing the finger nails of the inhabitants of the East, and the mains, tails, and hoofs of their horses. The colouring matter of the plant is very abundant, and might be advantageously used for dyeing woollens yellow and brown, of various shades, by combining it with alum and sulphate of iron. The leaves are dried, powdered, and made into a paste for the above-mentioned purposes. The powdered leaves form a large article of export to Persia and the Turkish possessions.