Accession #: 201100222
Accession Date: 2011-07-06
Common name: Vanilla Orchid
Family: Orchidaceae
Synonym(s):
Country of Origin: Mexico to Colombia
Description: [Syn. Vanilla fragrans]
This leafy climbing orchid is from hot, wet tropical America. The flowers are hand pollinated. Propagated generally by cutting.
The vanilla flower is self-fertile, but incapable of self-pollination without the aid of an outside agency to either transfer the pollen from the anther to the stigma or to lift the flap or rostellum then press the anther against the stigma. The only time this can be accomplished is during the morning of the one day the flower is open. Unless pollination occurs, the flower drops from the vine the next day.
Uses: The vanilla orchid is grown for its seed pods that are harvested and go through an extensive drying and curing process to create commercial vanilla. Without this drying and curing the green seed pods do not contain a potent vanilla flavor. The drying process creates vanillin crystals and turns the pods from green to black. <p> In traditional Mexican medicine Vanilla was used to treat hysteria, fevers, impotence, rheumatism, and to increase the energy of muscular systems.<sup>1</sup>
IMPORTANT NOTE: Plant Uses are for informational purposes only. EEB Greenhouses assume no responsibility for adverse effects from the use of any plants referred to on this site. Always seek advice from a professional before using any plant medicinally.
USDA Zone: 10a-11
Source: Lisa Palmer - Dartmouth College
Provenance:
Restrictions:
Culture:
Keep plant in intermediate to warm temperatures in shade. Plant is grown in shade and require a lots of space for climbing. Plant can be mounted or grown in bark. Plant prefers dryouts between waterings. <sup>4</sup>
