Lawsonia inermis (L.) is a shrub or small tree of the family Lythraceae. This plant is cultivated in many regions as an ornamental and commercial dye crop. It is mostly found in the tropic, sub-tropic and semi-arid zones of Africa, south Asia and north Australia.
It is a much branched, slender, evergreen shrub or small tree. It usually grows up to 6-25 feet tall. The stems and other branches can be spiny. The leaves grow opposite each other on the stem. Flowers are heavily scented, ovate with white or red stamens. Fruits are small, brownish capsule, 4-8 mm in diameter.