Lawsonia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lythraceae. It includes two main species: Lawsonia inermis, commonly known as henna, and Lawsonia alba. Henna is widely recognized for its leaves, which are used to produce a natural dye for skin and hair. The leaves of Lawsonia inermis contain lawsone, a compound that binds to keratin, making it effective for dyeing. This plant is native to regions in North Africa and South Asia, where it has been used for centuries in cultural and cosmetic practices.