One of the more important dye plants. Depending on the mordant used the roots will yield dyes of red, pink, lilac, purple, rose, orange, brown, or black. The earliest evidence of its' use comes from India nearly 3000 years ago. Economically important for centuries, cultivation of madder virtually ceased with the synthesis of alzarine (the pigment responsible for the red coloration) by German chemists in 1869. In addition to providing dyes, Madder has also been used to treat jaundice, obstructions of the spleen, freckles, and hemorrhoids. A spreading plant, this is a relative of Lady's Bedstraw and Sweet Woodruff. Traditionally used to dye wood in fine violins.