Vanilla Plant

Vanilla planifolia is an orchid in the ‘Vanilla’ genus. Native to South América and Mesoamerica, the pods are born on stalks that bear white/cream colored flowers and require hand pollination for fruit set. Vanilla is capable of flowering once the stem diameter exceeds 6mm, the pods themselves following curing develop their distinctive sweet aroma and taste. Vanilla is used extensively to flavor desserts/ice cream, in baking as well as in perfumes.

Expected plant height = 40 cm