Henna , the East Indian name for a shrub of the genus Lawsonia (Willdenow), belonging to the natural order lythraceoe, found in Asia and Africa. The genus consists of but a single species, L. alba, which, being variable, has received other names. It is 8 or 10 ft. high, and bears abundantly corymbose, white, and very fragrant flowers; the leaves are smooth, opposite, oval, and lanceolate. It is cultivated in India, Egypt, and other eastern countries, where it has been in use as a cosmetic from very early times, the yellow color on the nails of some of the Egyptian mummies being supposed to be derived from henna. It is used by the women to color their finger and toe nails, the tips of their fingers, the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet; the men use it to color their beards, and the manes and tails of their horses. It produces a reddish-orange color, which it is said the subsequent application of indigo will turn to black. The leaves and young twigs are reduced to a fine powder, made into a paste with hot water, and spread upon the part to be dyed, where it is usually left over night.

The shrub is grown in greenhouses as the Egyptian privet, and is naturalized in the West Indies, where it is called Jamaica mignonette.