CAMPHIRE ( kôpher , Song of Solomon 1:14; Song of Solomon 4:13 ) is the henna plant ( Lawsonia alba ), a small shrub which may still be found at Engedi. It is a great favourite with the people of Palestine to-day, and a ‘cluster’ of the flowers is often put in the hair; the perfume is much admired. It is also extensively used for staining the hands (especially the nails), the feet, and the hair; it stains an ochre-red, but further treatment of the nails with a mixture of lime and ammonia turns the colour almost black. Old women frequently redden their hair, and Moslems their beards, by means of henna.
E. W. G. Masterman.