Sustaining colors of tradition: ethnobotanical study on natural dye plants in Guangxi, China

Abstract Background Plant dyes represent a valuable heritage of traditional natural colorants, renowned for their sustainability and health benefits. Current research, however, has primarily emphasized process development and dyeing mechanisms. As traditional ethnobotanical knowledge is rapidly disappearing, a systematic investigation and analysis of Guangxi’s diverse dye plants would significantly contribute to their preservation and sustainable utilization. Such efforts not only provide scientific support for biodiversity conservation by recording locally distinctive dye species and their traditional applications, but also facilitate the development of novel, sustainable dye materials. Methods This study carried out ethnobotanical surveys across 26 villages and 10 traditional markets in Guangxi between March 2021 and October 2024. Data on dye plants were collected through semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, and structured questionnaires, involving a total of 262 participants. The relative frequency of citation (RFC) was employed to identify the most culturally significant dye plant species. Results This study documented 166 species of traditional dye plants belonging to 69 families and 141 genera. The most commonly used parts for dyeing were leaves (28.77%) and flowers (12.74%). Traditional dyeing processes mainly use pulverizing and sometimes decocting. The most common uses of traditional dye plants were for dyeing textiles (59.36%) and food (21.93%). Based on the RFC values of each species, the most frequently used dye plants were Liquidambar formosana, Buddleja officinalis, Impatiens balsamina, Strobilanthes cusia, and Curcuma longa. Conclusion Guangxi has abundant dye plant resources. They meet the color needs of traditional clothes and food and offer health benefits. This aligns with society's focus on sustainability and health. These dyeing methods are practical and culturally significant. They support the production of eco-friendly dyes, boost the local economy, preserve ethnic culture, and protect biodiversity.