About Maclura tinctoria (L.) D.Don ex Steud.
Maclura tinctoria (L.) D.Don ex Steud., commonly called old fustic and dyer's mulberry, is a medium to large tree native to the Neotropics, where its range extends from Mexico to Argentina. This species produces a yellow dye called fustic, which was most notably used to color khaki fabric for United States military apparel during World War I. The yellow dye obtained from this tree contains the flavonoid morin. Maclura tinctoria is dioecious, meaning both male and female plants are required to produce seed. Its leaves can be used as food for silk worms. Old fustic should not be confused with young fustic (Rhus cotinus), a species from southern Europe and Asia that produces a dye that fades more easily.
