Exploring the Flora of South Sulawesi, Forest Vegetation, and Karst Areas as Bundle Dyeing on Silk Fabrics

Abstract

The development of dyeing frm natural substances for silk fabrics has been rapidly growing in recent years. This study aimed to explore the plant species prodsucing unique dyes and patterns on silk fabrics. The flowers and leaves of some plant species found at the research sites were assayed for their color and shape expression on the fabrics. The dyeing technique applied was the bundle dyeing or ecoprinting technique on the fabric’s surface with mordant alum and myrobalan. We obtained 297 plants consisting of 95 families and 181 genera. The plant species producing colors were trees (48.4%), shrubs (30.5%), and herbs, vines, ferns, and lycopods (21.1%). The plant species samples obtained were 213 (71.7%) producing color and 84 (28.3%) species not expressing color. The leaves and flowers producing colors and patterns on the fabrics suitable for bundle dyeing were 126 species and 19 species, respectively. The leaves produce colors without shape patterns; thus, they have potential roles as dyes for the dipping technique.