Andean dye plants

Peru has a globally unique biodiversity. No fewer than 84 of the 104 life zones of the planet. Of the 25,000 species of flora of the country know the properties and uses only 4.230 of them. This made possible the polychromy flora or variety of colors of the ancient Peruvians. Maintaining it is essential for the future.

Plants and other natural resources where the colors were pre-Columbian artisans have been many studies in the museums of the world, especially with the conservation purpose. It has established the use of cochineal, indigo or indigo, antanco or chamiri, alder, chilca, Mullaca and molle.

Dyers Inca and pre Inca also used as mordants natural aluminum sulfate called "Qollpa and iron salts as" alcaparossa "urine as a source of ammonia, the acid source beer, and other plants and still unknown to the recoverable textile cultural wealth.

Here is a list of plants identified by researchers Augusto Urrutia and Ana Mujica Baquerizo PRUG National Museum of Archeology and Anthropology in Lima Peru. And the parts for textiles that are linked to them.