Rubia tinctorum aka Dyer's Madder

Taxonomy

Genus Rubia Family Rubiaceae Order Gentianales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
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.

Common names

Dyer's Madder, Madder, Indian Madder

How to care for Dyer's Madder

Difficulty

Dyer's Madder presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Dyer's Madder should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Dyer's Madder thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Indian Madder.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Dyer's Madder to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Dyer's Madder’s native range is Europe - Mediterranean. Naturalized in Britain[17].

More info:
Wikipedia

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More Species in Rubia Genus

Rubia peregrina Wild Madder