Indigenous dye plants of the Kingdom of Eswatini, traditional uses and new prospects

Abstract

Eswatini is rich with a diverse assortment of many indigenous plant species with great potential of economic importance. Natural dye producing plants are among those plants which remain in the wild unexploited, while synthetic dyes used in the textile industries are imported. The aim of this study was to investigate indigenous natural dye producing plants found in Eswatini with potential economic use in the handicraft and textile industries. Plant species were identified with potential to produce natural dyes of economic importance. Important species identified include Berchemia discolor, Syzigium cordatum, Kigelia africanum and Sclerocarya birrea. The species, local names, plant parts used and the color produced are presented. Dye extraction, characterization techniques and application technologies are discussed. Coincidentally many dye plants were found to have medicinal properties. This paper attempts to address the environmental concerns possibly arising from exploitation of dye plant species and presenting some recommendations on new prospects.