Morinda Tinctoria
Family : Rubiaceae
Synonyms : Morinda pubescens
Common Name : Nuna
English Name : Indian Mulberry
Hindi Name : Aal
Telugu Name : Madichettu
Bengali Name : Huldi
Tree Characteristics :
It is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 5-10 m tall. The leaves are 15-25 cm long, oblong to lanceolate. The flowers are tubular, white, scented, about 2 cm long. It flowers during the month of May. The fruit is a green syncarp, 2-2.5 cm diameter.
Nursery:
Seed - sow in nursery beds. Germination takes place 3 - 9 weeks after sowing. After germination, seedlings are transplanted at ca. 1.2 m x 1.2 m in well-tilled soil. The seeds remain viable for at least 6 months.
Economic Uses:
Ø The plant is extensively cultivated in India in order to make the morindone dye sold under the trade name "Suranji".
Ø Morindone is used for the dyeing of cotton, silk and wool in shades of red, chocolate or purple.
Ø The colouring matter is found principally in the root bark and is collected when the plants reach three to four years of age.
Ø Fruits are generally acceptale as good source of nutrient and a good dietary supplement.
