alkanna

Alkanna, also known by the common name alkanet, is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the borage family, Boraginaceae. These plants are primarily native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia. The most well-known species within the genus is Alkanna tinctoria, often referred to as dyers' alkanet, which has a long history of use as a source of natural dye.

The roots of Alkanna tinctoria are rich in a red pigment called alkannin, which has been extracted and used for centuries to color textiles, cosmetics, and even food. The extraction process typically involves steeping the dried roots in oil or alcohol. Historically, alkannin was also used in medicine, though its efficacy has been largely superseded by modern pharmaceuticals.

Alkanna plants are generally herbaceous perennials, characterized by their hairy leaves and small, star-shaped flowers that are often blue, purple, or pink. They typically grow in dry, rocky soils and are well-adapted to arid conditions. While Alkanna tinctoria is the most commercially significant species, other species within the genus are also cultivated for ornamental purposes or have traditional uses in their native regions. The genus Alkanna contains several dozen species, with varying distributions and characteristics.