
- Hindi
- रतनजोत
- Botanical
- Alkanna tinctoria
- Family
- Boraginaceae
About the plant
A dry-hill root used to colour oil a deep red; slight above ground, tough below.
Growing it
Stony free-draining soil; it rots in a rich pot.
What it is for
Traditional colouring for oils and food.
How to grow
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- पानी
- Sparingly
- मौसम
- Oct–Nov
- Grows in
- Garden / ground, Terrace / rooftop
- Mature size
- 20–40 cm
- First harvest
- Roots from year two
Stony free-draining soil; it rots in a rich pot.
Traditional uses
Traditionally used — recorded as tradition, not as established effect. The two registers below are kept separate on purpose.
Traditional knowledge
Traditional colouring for oils and food.
Scientific evidence
This record has not yet assessed the research on these uses. Absence of an assessment here is not evidence either way.
Important: Traditional plant use does not replace professional medical advice. Do not treat a condition on the strength of this page — speak to a doctor.
Ecological value
Where it grows in India
- Review
- Not yet reviewed by a named specialist
- प्रकाशित