alkanes

n. [ Dim. of Sp. alcana, alheña, in which al is the Ar. article. See Henna, and cf. Orchanet. ] 1. (Chem.) A dyeing matter extracted from the roots of Alkanna tinctoria, which gives a fine deep red color. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Bot.) (a) A boraginaceous herb (Alkanna tinctoria) yielding the dye; orchanet. (b) The similar plant Anchusa officinalis; bugloss; also, the American puccoon. [ 1913 Webster ]