Labourdonnaisia madagascariensis is a tree that can grow up to 10 metres tall[
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood.
Africa - eastern Madagascar.
Humid evergreen coastal forest on sandy soils[
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Found in the wild on sandy soils[
Bark decoctions of all Labourdonnaisia species are astringent and used to treat haemorrhages and menstrual problems[
The bark of Labourdonnaisia madagascariensis contains tannin[
Additional compounds such as phenols, leucoanthocyanins, anthraquinones, terpenes, alkaloids and saponins have been detected in the bark and leaves of other Labourdonnaisia species, and it is likely that similar compounds also occur in Labourdonnaisia madagascariensis[
The bark of Labourdonnaisia madagascariensis is used for dyeing silk and cotton tissues red. Occasionally, the bark is also used for tanning[
The harvested bark is dried and pulverized. The powder is put in boiling water, together with the fibres or textiles to be dyed. After 2 days of boiling, the red dyed fibres or textiles are taken out and dried in the sun[
In another method, part of the bark is broken into small pieces, which are tied together, and another part is pulverized. The pieces and the powder are put in a container with water. The container is heated until boiling in the morning and in the evening and this is repeated for up to 8 days until the dye bath has obtained the desired red colour. Then the bark pieces are taken out and replaced by the fibre or textiles. This mixture is heated again and when the fibre or textile has obtained the right colour it is taken out and dried. If necessary the same operation is repeated a second time[
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