What is "lawsonia inermis"

Alcanna \Al*can"na\, n. [Sp. alcana, alhe?a, fr. Ar. al-hinn[=a]. See Henna, and cf. Alkanet.] (Bot.) An oriental shrub ( Lawsonia inermis) from which henna is obtained. [1913 Webster] ||

Henna \Hen"na\, n. [Ar. hinn[=a] alcanna ( Lawsonia inermis syn. Lawsonia alba). Cf. Alcanna, Alkanet, Orchanet.]

1. (Bot.) A thorny tree or shrub of the genus Lawsonia ( Lawsonia alba). The fragrant white blossoms are used by the Buddhists in religious ceremonies. The powdered leaves furnish a red coloring matter used in the East to stain the nails and fingers, the manes of horses, etc.

2. (Com.) The leaves of the henna plant, or a preparation or dyestuff made from them.

Lawsonia \Law*so"ni*a\, n. (Bot.) An Asiatic and North African shrub ( Lawsonia inermis), with smooth oval leaves, and fragrant white flowers. Henna is prepared from the leaves and twigs. In England the shrub is called Egyptian privet, and in the West Indies, Jamaica mignonette.