Everything about Vanilla Orchid totally explained
» For other uses, see vanilla (disambiguation).
Vanilla is a
genus of about 110 species in the orchid family (
Orchidaceae), including the species
Vanilla planifolia from which commercial
vanilla flavoring is derived. The name came from the
Spanish word "vainilla", diminutive form of "vaina" (meaning "
sheath"), which is in turn derived from
Latin "
vagina".
This evergreen genus occurs worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions, from tropical America to tropical Asia, New Guinea and West Africa. It was known to the
Aztecs for its flavoring qualities. It is also grown commercially (esp.
Vanilla planifolia,
Vanilla pompona and
Vanilla tahitensis).
This genus of
vine-like plants has a
monopodial climbing habit. They can form long vines with a length of more than 35 m, with alternate
leaves spread along its length. The short, oblong, dark green leaves of the
Vanilla are thick and leathery, even fleshy in some species, though there are a significant number of species that have their leaves reduced to
scales or have become nearly or totally leafless and appear to use their green climbing stems for
photosynthesis. Long and strong
aerial roots grow from each node.
The racemose
inflorescences short-lived
flowers arise successively on short peduncles from the leaf axils or scales. There may be up to 100 flowers on a single raceme, but usually no more than 20. The flowers are quite large and attractive with white, green, greenish yellow or cream colors. Their
sepals and
petals are similar. Each flower opens up in the morning and closes late in the afternoon, never to re-open. If pollination hasn't occurred meanwhile, it'll be shed.
The
lip is tubular-shaped and surrounds the long, bristly
column, opening up, as the bell of a trumpet, at its apex. The
anther is at the top of the column and hangs over the
stigma, separated by the rostellum. Blooming occurs only when the flowers are fully grown. Most species have a sweet scent. The flowers are self-fertile but need pollinators to perform this task. The flowers are presumed to be pollinated by stingless bees and certain hummingbirds, which visit the flowers primarily for its
nectar. But hand pollination is the best method in commercially grown
Vanilla.
The fruit ('
vanilla bean') is an elongate, fleshy seed pod 10-20 cm long. It ripens gradually (8 to 9 months after flowering), eventually turning black in color and giving off a strong aroma. Each pod contains thousands of minute seeds, but it's the pod that's used to create vanilla flavoring. Significantly,
Vanilla planifolia is the only orchid used for industrial purposes (in the food industry and in the cosmetic industry).
Vanilla species are used as food plants by the
larvae of some
Lepidoptera species including
Hypercompe eridanus and
Hypercompe icasia.
Species with common names
Further Information
Get more info on 'Vanilla Orchid'.
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