Vanilla

What is Vanilla

Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) is a native of tropical America and is a vine (absorbed root), evergreen planting orchid in the family Orchidaceae. It has a gross inflorescence extending from the leaf axils and produces several fleshy, yellowish-green flowers in fleshy, 6 cm diameter positions in spring and early summer. The flowers do not have any fragrance. The post-flowering fruit is an elongated, cylindrical shape. The fruit is green at first, but turns a glossy purple-brown color as it ripens. From the fruit, the seed pods, including the seeds, are repeatedly fermented and dried to produce the luscious, fragrant vanilla bean. When the ingredients of the vanilla bean are extracted and dissolved in a solvent, vanilla essence or vanilla oil can be made. They are used for medicinal purposes such as hysteria and sedation, as well as incense in chocolate, ice cream and confectionery.

Generic name: Vanilla, scientific name: Vanilla planifolia, origin: tropical America, tendril length: 60 m (6.5 ft), petiole: reciprocal, leaf length: 20 cm (2.5 ft), leaf shape: ovoid to elliptical, leaf margins: full margin, leaf color: green, flower color: light green/yellow green, flowering period: April - June, inflorescence length: 5 cm (0.5 in), crown shape: funnel-shaped, flower diameter: 5-6 cm (0.5 in), harvest period: October - December, fruit length: 15-25 cm (0.5 in), capsule type: terminal capsule, fruit shape: long, cylindrical, seed diameter: 0.5 cm (0.5 in), seed shape: lenticular, fruit color: green to shiny purple-brown, uses: medicinal, perfuming.

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