Vanilla
planifolia or Vanilla fragrans Vanilla
Orchid
Vanilla is the only orchid that can produce edible fruits. The process of converting vanilla into a spice is very long and complicated; hence, vanilla is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Pollination is only possible through manual manipulation. The pods must be blanched before
drying and fermenting -- all tricky processes to bring
out the bean's best flavor.
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Click
pictures for a closer
view.
This
plant is approximately 4
years old, 12' long and is
growing on a Clerodendrum
(Clerodendron)
Quadriloculare
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Common
Name: Vanilla
Orchid
Botanical
Name: Vanilla
planifolia or Vanilla fragrans
Family:
Orchidaceae
Plant
Type: Climbing,
terrestrial orchid
Origin:
Florida, West Indies,
Central and South America
Zones:
10 - 11
Height:
30' or more
Rate
of Growth: Slow
Salt
Tolerance: Medium
Soil
Requirements: Well
drained, moist, fertile humus to
start, plant becomes Epiphytic with age
Water
Requirements: Water freely,
less water in winter
Nutritional
Requirements: Balanced
liquid fertilizer monthly
Light
Requirements: Partial shade
Form:
Branching climber -- give it a sturdy, shady
tree to climb
Leaves:
Fleshy, mid-green to 6" long
Flowers:
In Spring, yellow-green, 3/4" across,
on axillary racemes
Fruits:
Pendulous, cylindrical
seed pods to 10" long
Pests:
Aphids, scale insects and
spider mites
Uses:
Curiosity -- conversation piece
Bad
Habits:
Cost:
$$ -- reasonable
Propagation:
cuttings
Source:
 A-Z
Encyclopedia of Garden Plants
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