Most Viewed
Buddlea
Polygala Dalmaisiana
Sage
Leek
Dracaena Indivisa
Chrysophyllum Cainito
Guernsey Lily (nerine Sarniense)
Anise
Libertia Formosa
Libonia Floribunda
Least Viewed
Chervil
Rampion
Sage
Night-scented Stocks
Citrus Japonica
Eucalyptus Globulus
Eugenia Ugni
Lapageria Rosea
Phormium Tenax
Fennel
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Indigofera Tinctoria
The indigo plant, a native of Asia, but
cultivated and naturalized in many countries. The use of indigo as
a dye is of great antiquity. Both Dioscorides and Pliny mention
it, and it is supposed to have been employed by the ancient
Egyptians. The indigo of commerce is prepared by throwing the
fresh cut plants into water, where they are steeped for twelve
hours, when the water is run off into a vessel and agitated in
order to promote the formation of the blue coloring matter, which
does not exist ready formed in the tissues of the plant, but is
the result of the oxidation of other substances contained in them.
The coloring matter then settles at the bottom; it is then boiled
to a certain consistency and afterwards spread out on cloth
frames, where it is further drained of water and pressed into
cubes or cakes for market.
Next: Ipom[oe]a Purga Previous: Illicium Religiosum
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