Maclura tinctoria explained

Maclura tinctoria, known as old fustic and dyer's mulberry,^[1] 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. This dye contains the flavonoid morin.^[2] It is dioecious, so both male and female plants are needed to set seed.^[3]

The leaves can be used to feed silk worms.^[4]

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:

• 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

Notes and References

1. Book: Goodwin, Jill. A Dyer's Manual. Pelham Books Ltd.. London. 1982. 60. 0-7207-1327-7.
2. Web site: Morus tinctoria. 20 February 2010.
3. 10.1016/j.flora.2018.01.009. Floral development of Moraceae species with emphasis on the perianth and androecium. 2018. Leite. Viviane Gonçalves. Mansano. Vidal Freitas. Pádua Teixeira. Simone. Flora. 240. 116–132.
4. Book: Mabberley, D.J.. 1997. The plant book: A portable dictionary of the vascular plants. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge.