Kamala Dye Powder
Botanical Name: Mallotus philippinensis
Common name: Monkey Face Tree, Kamala, Red Kamala
Colorant: Rottlerin
Dye type: Adjective dye (requires mordants like alum or iron)
Shade Range: Kamala produces light to dark yellow to orange shades, depending on the fiber and mordant used. On wool and silk, it creates a vibrant orange hue, while on cotton it tends to be lighter.
Mordant Requirements: Alum is typically used to fix yellow shades on protein fibers, while iron can shift the color toward more muted tones like mossy greens.
Fastness: The dye offers moderate lightfastness and washfastness, with good performance on natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk.
Common Uses: Commonly used for dyeing textiles, as well as in cosmetics and as a natural food colorant for items like ice cream and beverages.
Country of Origin: India, Southeast Asia
Vegetarian product: Yes