Hi,

I am looking for unusual seeds and roots that I can grow and use as dyes for fabrics.

One example would be the madder root, other examples would be traditional Thai plant dyes.

We are located in the Buayai area of Korat.

Thank you!

Its not unusual, but Turmeric grows well here, confusingly its called "Cumin" in Thai.

Its not unusual, but Turmeric grows well here, confusingly its called "Cumin" in Thai.

Sounds good. Thank you.

Butterfly Pea flowers can be dried and used for blue dye:

infopedia.nlb.gov.sg/articles/SIP_763_2004-12-20.html

The Butterfly Pea, a climber, is used for its dye, particularly amongst the Peranakans who use it as a food-colouring.

Description

Although it can be found growing in the wild in our region, the Butterfly Pea is believed to have originated from South America and Asia. It is believed to have been brought to India in the 17th century; then to Europe and much later to the tropics. It belongs to the sub-family Papilionaceae of the family Leguminosae and is a perennial climber. With pinnated leaves extending to five to nine leaflets, it often grows into a thick foliage. But the climber is commonly cultivated for its attractive azure flowers with winged petals and light markings. The flowers last 24 hours only. Its flat pods pops black seeds when mature.

Usage

Locally, the blue flowers are commonly used as dyes for colouring confectionaries. In particular, it is used in the savoury Nonya bak chang or "rice dumplings" where it adds a tinge of blue to the dumplings. As a dye, it is popular amongst the health conscious who do not appreciate artificial dyes. The dye can also be used as a litmus while the plant itself is useful as a matting. Various parts of the Javanese variety, which has white flowers, are used in traditional medicine. The white version is grown today only for ornamental purposes. In Australia, the Blue Pea is valued as fodder because of its higher protein content. It also serves to increase the nitrogen level of the soil.

Variant Names

Common name: Butterfly Pea, Pigeon Wings, Blue Pea.

Scientific name: Clitoria ternatea.

An Chan in Thai