Kamala Dye Powder

Botanical name: Mallotus philippinensis

Common name: Kamala, Monkey Face Tree, Red Kamala

Colorant: Rottlerin

Dye type: Adjective dye (must have mordants such as alum or iron)

Shade Range: Light to dark yellow to orange shades based on the fiber and mordant used. It also adds a bright orange hue to wool and silk, but somewhat less bright on cotton.

Mordant Requirements: Alum is often used to set the yellow in protein fibers, and iron can move colors away from bright and toward muted tones like mossy greens.

Fastness: As with most dyes this is a moderately lightfast and washfast dye with fair performance on natural fibers such as cotton, wool and silk.

Common Uses: Used for dyeing textiles, cosmetics and as a natural food colorant in items like ice cream and beverages.

Country of Origin: India, Southeast Asia

Vegetarian product: Yes