Vanilla is a climbing plant native to Mexico. The plant has the scientific name Vanila planifolia. Vanilla can grow in tropical climates with rainfall of 1000-3000 mm/year, and optimal air temperatures of 20oC-25oC. Vanilla plants have long, slender stems, and oval leaves. Vanilla flowers are blue-green and grow in the axils of leaves.
Vanilla flowers only bloom for one day, and must be pollinated by a special small bee called Melipona beecheii. Vanilla pods are shaped like pods and are green.
Vanilla pods will turn brown when ripe. Vanilla pods contain vanillin, which is the compound that gives vanilla its characteristic aroma. Vanilla is typically used as a flavoring agent in foods, such as cakes, ice cream, and chocolate. Vanilla can also be used as a medicinal ingredient.
Here are some characteristics of vanilla plants:
- Climbing plant
- Originating from Mexico
- Can grow in tropical climates
- Has long, slender stems
- Oval leaves
- Blue-green flowers
- Green pods, turn brown when ripe