Henna, Lawsonia Inermis, is a large bush or small tree native to hot, dry climates across North & East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the southern areas of the Middle East, and South Asia. Henna probably originated in North Africa, based on the greater genetic diversity in henna in the North African oases than in other regions. There is archaeological evidence from Egypt that henna was regularly used to treat skin ailments and to colour Gray hair five thousand years ago. There is evidence that brides marked their hands and feet with henna for weddings in Mesopotamia and the eastern Mediterranean. Henna can tolerate long droughts and high heat, but not moist soil or frost. Henna does not grow in any area where there is frost. Henna does not grow in rainforest climates Henna is an earth-friendly crop. It can be grown and harvested without machinery, specialized labour, irrigation, or fertilizer. Henna cultivation requires no fossil fuel. Leaves are the only part of the henna plant that is in henna hair dye, not wood, roots, or bark. Henna is also called Heena, Mehandi or mendhika.