Vanilla

Vanilla planifolia

Physical Characteristics

Vanilla planifolia is an evergreen Perennial Climber growing to 15 m (49ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Moths. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant is not wind tolerant.

Distribution

S. America - Bolivia, Colombia; Central America - Costa Rica to Mexico; naturalized in many other ar

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seedpod Edible Uses: Condiment Seedpod - cooked. Used as a flavouring in a wide range of foods such as ice creams, confectionery, baked goods, puddings etc[301 ]. The seedpods contain about 3.5% vanillin[238 ]. The pod can be placed in sugar and left for the flavour to diffuse into the sugar. This sugar is then used as a sweet flavouring in various dishes, especially cakes and desserts[238 ]. The fruit is a dark-brown, 3-angled capsule 15 - 28cm long containing many small seeds[418 ].

Medicinal Uses

Aphrodisiac Carminative Emmenagogue Febrifuge Stimulant Traditionally, the seedpods are used as an aphrodisiac, carminative, emmenagogue and stimulant[310 ].They are said to reduce or cure fevers, spasms and caries[310 ]. Vanilla extracts (especially tinctures according to pharmacopoeias) are used in pharmaceutical preparations such as syrups, primarily as a flavouring agent[310 ].

Known Hazards

Calcium oxalate crystals are present in the plant, which may cause dermatitis in vanilla workers[310 ].(Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction )