Maclura tinctoria

Maclura tinctoria, known as old fustic and dyer's mulberry,^[3] 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.^{[citation needed]} This dye contains the flavonoid morin.^[4] It is dioecious, so both male and female plants are needed to set seed.^[5]

Maclura tinctoria
In Argentina
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
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 (L.) Steud.
Synonyms[2]
Chlorophora tinctoria (L.) Benth. & Hook. f. Maclura mora Griseb. Morus tinctoria L.

In Colombia

The leaves can be used to feed silk worms.^[6]

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

Dyeing

Fustic is a bright yellow dye that is very color-fast when used with mordants. It is frequently combined with other dyestuffs and various mordants to produce a range of yellow and greenish colors:^[3]

• With woad or indigo: bright or Saxon greens
• With bichromate of potash: old gold
• With logwood and bichromate of potash: greenish yellows
• With copper sulfate: olive greens
• With ferrous sulfate: dark greens