Maclura tinctoria

Maclura tinctoria
In Argentina
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Moraceae
Genus: Maclura
Species:
M. tinctoria
Binomial name
Maclura tinctoria
Synonyms
  • Chlorophora tinctoria (L.) Benth. & Hook. f.
  • Maclura mora Griseb.
  • Morus tinctoria L.

Maclura tinctoria, known as old fustic and dyer's mulberry, is a medium to large tree of the Neotropics, from Mexico to Argentina. It produces a yellow dye called fustic primarily known for coloring khaki fabric for U.S. military apparel during World War I. This dye contains the flavonoid morin. It is dioecious, so both male and female plants are needed to set seed.

The leaves can be used to feed silk worms.

Old fustic is not to be confused with young fustic (Rhus cotinus) from southern Europe and Asia, which provides a more fugitive colour.