Mimosa Hostilis Root Bark: Questions and Answers

It is the dried inner root bark of Mimosa tenuiflora, a small tree that grows from southern Mexico to north-eastern Brazil. The bark is rich in tannins and natural pigments, which is why it is used for dyeing, soap and cosmetics. Read more about what it is used for.

Yes. Tepezcohuite is the Mexican name, jurema preta is the Brazilian name, and MHRB is short for Mimosa hostilis root bark. They all refer to the bark of the same tree.

Our bark comes from Mexico.

Browns that lean pink, red or purple. The exact shade depends on the fibre or recipe, the water and how much bark you use.

Yes. It is 100% organic: dried root bark with nothing added.

Yes. Lab results and a certificate of analysis (COA) are available on request. Contact us and tell us which form you are interested in.

No. Our bark is sold for dyeing, soap making, cosmetic crafts and woodwork only. It is not for human consumption.

It is the same bark cut to three sizes. Whole is uncut strips, shredded is small chips, and powder is finely ground. See the side-by-side comparison.

Shredded bark. It releases colour quickly and strains out with an ordinary sieve.

Powder. It measures by the teaspoon and blends into the batter.

Whole bark, because less of its surface is exposed to air. Shredded comes next, then powder.

No. Powder only releases its colour faster, because more of its surface touches the water or oil.

Yes. Cut it into short lengths with garden shears first, then grind small batches in a sturdy grinder. The bark is fibrous, so kitchen scissors will struggle.

For a deep shade, the same weight of bark as dry fibre. For a light shade, half. The dye calculator works it out for any weight.

Natural fibres: wool, silk, cotton and linen. Synthetics such as polyester and acrylic will not take the colour.

It is optional, but alum at 12 to 20 percent of the fibre weight helps the colour bind, especially on cotton and linen. The steps are in the fabric dyeing guide.

Add iron at about 2 percent of the fibre weight after dyeing. Go carefully with wool and silk, because iron can make them brittle.

Yes. Keep the strained bark and simmer it again. The second bath gives a lighter shade.

Treat it as a craft dye. Wash gently with a mild soap and keep dyed pieces out of strong sun, and the colour softens slowly over time.

The bark has a long history in leather tanning, but tanning hides is a different process from dyeing cloth and we do not publish a method for it.

About 1 teaspoon per pound (450 g) of soap. Use half for a pale tint. The project planner scales it to your batch.

Mix the powder into a little light oil until smooth before adding it at trace. For no specks at all, colour the soap with an oil infusion. Both methods are in the soap colouring guide.

Yes. Plant colourants shift in cold process soap. Judge the colour after four to six weeks.

Yes. Disperse the powder in a little glycerin or alcohol first and start with half a teaspoon per pound of base.

In masks and scrubs as a powder, and in balms through an infused oil. The skincare guide covers each one.

Use 100 g of shredded bark for every 500 ml of oil, keep it gently warm for a few hours, and strain. Full steps are in the project planner.

Melt 1 part beeswax into 8 parts infused oil. The project planner gives the amounts for any jar size.

Put a small amount on the inside of your forearm, cover it and wait 24 hours. If the skin reddens, itches or stings, do not use it.

Yes. A strong tea of bark powder adds tannin to the wood, which then reacts with an iron and vinegar solution. Test on an offcut first. See the project planner.

Every form comes in 500 g, 1 kg, 3 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg, 50 kg and 100 kg.

Right now 1 kg costs $150.50 for whole bark, $155.50 for shredded and $157.50 for powder. The price per kilogram drops as the size goes up. Each product page has the full price list.

500 g. Prices start at $90.95 for 500 g of whole bark.

No. You can check out as a guest. An account lets you see your past orders.

We email your tracking number as soon as your payment is confirmed and the parcel is dispatched.

Bitcoin (BTC) only at the moment.

You can buy and send Bitcoin from Cash App, PayPal or a crypto exchange in a few minutes. Our step-by-step payment guide walks you through each one.

Email a screenshot of the payment confirmation to us with your order number. The address is shown on the payment page.

Not directly. You can buy Bitcoin with a debit card in Cash App, PayPal or an exchange and pay with that.

Standard shipping is free and typically takes 2 to 3 business days. Overnight delivery costs $20. Details are in the shipping policy.

Within 1 business day of payment confirmation, by USPS, UPS or FedEx.

Yes. We ship across the United States and to international customers. Please check the import rules in your own country before you order.

Yes, within 30 days of delivery if the product is unused and in its original packaging. See the return and refund policy.

Yes. Orders from 5 kg to 100 kg are priced at a lower rate per kilogram. The wholesale page has the table.

Yes. Tell us the quantity of each form and we will price the order together.

Yes to both. Call +1 (913) 725-8932 or use the contact form for a quote.

In a sealed container, somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight. Moisture is the main thing to avoid.

Yes. It is a strong natural dye. Wear gloves, cover your work surface and keep tools you do not mind colouring.

Call +1 (913) 725-8932, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM, or use the contact form.