Mimosa Hostilis Root Bark Powder

Description

What is Mimosa hostilis root bark powder?

Mimosa hostilis root bark powder (MHRB powder) is the inner root bark of the Mimosa tenuiflora tree, dried and milled to a fine, even powder. The bark is naturally rich in tannins and pigments, and it is one of the best-known plant sources of purple, pink and reddish-brown colour for natural dyers.

Why choose the powder?

• Fast colour release – the fine grind gives up its colour quickly in hot water, so dye baths are ready sooner.
• Easy to measure – simple to weigh for repeatable recipes.
• Blends smoothly – disperses evenly in soap batter, clay masks and other handmade cosmetics.

Common uses

Natural dye for fabric and leather

Simmer the powder in water, strain it, and add pre-wetted wool, silk, cotton or leather. Shades range from soft pink to deep purple-brown depending on the fibre, the amount of bark and the mordant you use.

Soap making

Soap makers add the powder or a strained infusion to cold-process and melt-and-pour recipes for natural brown to purple tones without synthetic colourants.

Cosmetic formulation

Known as tepezcohuite in Mexico, the bark is a traditional ingredient in handmade creams, balms and masks, where it is valued for its tannin content and colour.

Frequently asked questions

What colour does Mimosa hostilis root bark powder give?

It gives pinks, dusty purples and red-browns. The exact shade depends on the fibre, how much powder you use and whether you add a mordant: alum tends to brighten the colour and iron darkens it.

How much powder do I need to dye fabric?

Dyers work from the dry weight of the fibre. For a medium shade, use powder equal to about 50 to 100 percent of that weight, so 50 to 100 g of powder for 100 g of wool or cotton. Use less for pale shades and more for deep ones.

Do I need a mordant with Mimosa hostilis?

Not necessarily. The bark is rich in tannin, which helps the colour bind on its own, especially to wool and silk. A mordant such as alum is still useful for brighter, longer-lasting colour, particularly on cotton and linen.

How much powder should I add to soap?

A common starting point is one teaspoon of powder per 500 g of oils, mixed with a little oil first so it disperses evenly. Colours usually settle into warm browns and muted purples once the soap has cured.

Is Mimosa hostilis the same as tepezcohuite?

Yes. Tepezcohuite is the Mexican name and jurema preta the Brazilian name for the same tree, Mimosa tenuiflora. Mimosa hostilis is an older botanical name that is still widely used.

How should I store the powder?

Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place and reseal it after each use. Powder has a large surface area, so it is more sensitive to moisture and light than whole bark.

Why choose powder over shredded or whole bark?

Powder releases its colour fastest and is the easiest form to weigh and blend, which suits soap and cosmetic recipes. For dye pots, shredded bark strains more cleanly, and whole bark keeps longest in storage.

Sizes and bulk orders

Choose from 500 g up to 100 kg in the weight menu above. Larger sizes suit dye studios, soap makers and resellers who need a consistent batch.

Storage

Keep the bark in a sealed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Stored this way it holds its colour for a long time.

Intended use

This product is sold as a raw botanical material for natural dyeing, soap making, cosmetic formulation and other craft purposes. It is not sold for human consumption. Always patch-test finished cosmetics and follow the regulations that apply where you live.