Rubia tinctorum aka Dyer's Madder

Rubia tinctorum, commonly known as rose madder or common madder, is an herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family. It is a native of the eastern Mediterranean and Central Asia and has been used as a natural dye for over 5,000 years. This evergreen perennial features long, dark green spreading stems, star-shaped yellow flowers that bloom in July and August, and green berries that eventually turn red and black. The roots of Rubia tinctorum are a valuable source of red dye, which was extensively cultivated in Europe for both medicinal and dyeing purposes. Madder was historically used as a coloring agent by various ancient civilizations, including the Persians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, and was commonly used for red textiles until the advent of synthetic dyes in the early 20th century. Traces of madder dye have even been discovered in significant historical sites, such as King Tutankhamun's tomb, Scandinavian burial grounds, and the ruins of Pompeii and ancient Corinth. Although the plant is no longer widely cultivated for its dye, as it can now be manufactured chemically, it remains a fascinating and important part of the history of natural dyes.