Indigo dye, the famous blue dye that has been used for centuries, is derived from several plants. One of the most commonly used plants is indigofera tinctoria, a shrub that grows both wild and cultivated in tropical regions worldwide. As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have had the opportunity to work with indigofera tinctoria and other indigo-producing plants, and I can provide a detailed answer to the question of what plants make indigo dye.
1. Indigofera tinctoria: This shrub, also known as true indigo or common indigo, is the primary source of natural indigo dye. It has been cultivated for thousands of years and is native to India and Southeast Asia. The leaves of indigofera tinctoria contain a chemical compound called indican, which is converted into indigo dye through a fermentation and oxidation process.
2. Indigofera suffruticosa: Another species of indigo plant that is commonly used to make indigo dye is indigofera suffruticosa, also known as Guatemalan indigo or anil de pasto. This plant is native to Central and South America and has been used by indigenous cultures for centuries to produce blue dye. The leaves of indigofera suffruticosa also contain indican, which is extracted and processed to obtain indigo dye.
3. Persicaria tinctoria: Persicaria tinctoria, commonly known as Japanese indigo or polygonum tinctorium, is another plant used for indigo dye production. It is native to East Asia and has a long history of cultivation in Japan. The leaves of persicaria tinctoria contain a high concentration of indican, making it a valuable source of indigo dye.
4. Strobilanthes cusia: Strobilanthes cusia, also known as Chinese indigo or dyer’s knotweed, is a plant native to China and Southeast Asia. It has been traditionally used for indigo dye production in these regions. The leaves of strobilanthes cusia contain indican and are harvested for their dye properties.
5. Isatis tinctoria: Isatis tinctoria, commonly known as woad, is a plant native to Europe and Western Asia. It has been used for centuries to produce blue dye, especially in ancient times before the introduction of indigofera tinctoria. The leaves of isatis tinctoria contain a different compound called glucobrassicin, which is converted into indigo dye through a fermentation process.
These are just a few examples of plants that are used to make indigo dye. Each plant has its own unique properties and cultural significance. As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have personally worked with indigofera tinctoria and experienced the process of extracting indigo dye from its leaves. It is a fascinating and intricate process that involves fermentation, oxidation, and careful dyeing techniques.
