Vanilla planifolia

The Vanilla Orchid (family - Orchidaceae) also known as Vanilla Planifolia or Vanilla Fragrans, is a variety of vine endemic to Mexico.The species name "planifolia" comes from the Latine for "flat-leaved".

Vanilla is best grown as an indoor plant. Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction in some people The peculiarity of .Vanilla is that it is the only orchid that can produce edible fruits.The vanilla plants starts producing fruit only when it is mature, generally larger than 10 feet. The process of converting vanilla fruit into an edible spice is very long and complicated and that makes vanilla one of the most expensive spices in the world. Pollination in Vanilla planifolia is only possible through manual manipulation. The pods of the orchid must be blanched before drying.