Natural dye from Eugenia jambolana L. Leaf galls

Context: Plants are excellent source of natural dyes. Leaf galls are rich in tannin thereby act as intense dyes. Objective: To evaluate the efficiency of leaf galls of Eugenia jambolana as natural dye. Materials and method: Natural mordants such as Punica granatum, Citrus reticulata (fruit rind) and Camelia sinensis dried leaves were used. Cotton, wool and silk were exposed to gall dye for 5 minutes with prior exposure to mordants for 5, 15 and 30 minutes. Fastness of the dye was also evaluated. Results: Cotton stained brown with Camelia sinensis, silk stained yellow with Punica granatum extract and both stained pale cream in Citrus reticulata 15 minutes incubation. Camelia sinensis was best mordant. Discussion and conclusion: Duration of exposure to the natural mordants did not influence the pattern of dyeing. Gall dye can be used for dyeing cotton, silk and not wool.