Lawsonia
/lɔːˈsoʊniə/noun
A genus of flowering plants in the loosestrife family, including Lawsonia inermis, the henna plant.
Did you know?Lawsonia inermis has been used for millennia to create henna body art, including ceremonial markings associated with weddings, protection, and spiritual blessing in several cultures.
Etymological Timeline
18th Century
English
Isaac Lawson
“The Scottish physician and botanist whose surname was used to form the plant genus name.”
1753
Botanical Latin
Lawsonia
“A genus name established by Carl Linnaeus in honor of Isaac Lawson.”
1753
Botanical Latin
Lawsonia inermis
“The scientific name for the henna plant; inermis means “unarmed” or “without spines.””
18th–19th Centuries
Scientific English
Lawsonia
“A botanical genus name used in taxonomic and horticultural literature.”
Modern English
English
Lawsonia
“The genus containing the henna plant, especially Lawsonia inermis.”
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