Vanilla
COMMON NAME | Vanilla orchid |
TYPE | Orchid |
FAMILY | Orchidaceae |
NOTES | A
flowering plant genus of about 110 species. The most widely known member is
the flat-leaved vanilla (V. planifolia), native to Mexico, from which
commercial vanilla flavoring is derived. It is the only orchid widely used
for industrial purposes in flavoring such products as foods, beverages and
cosmetics, and is recognized as the most popular aroma and flavor. Blooming occurs only when the vines
are fully grown. Each flower opens up in the morning and closes late in the
afternoon on the same day, never to reopen. Vine-like plants that climb and branch. A leaf and
short roots that attach to tree trunks and branches are present at each node. |
GEOGRAPHIC REGION | Tropical America to tropical Asia, New Guinea and
West Africa |
NATIVE
HABITAT | It
prefers hot, wet, tropical climates |
WEB SOURCES |
