Vanilla planifolia
Also known as flat leaved vanilla
species of plant
Species
EndangeredFlat-leaved Vanilla
Vanilla planifolia
SPECIES
- KingdomPlantae
- PhylumTracheophyta
- ClassLiliopsida
- OrderAsparagales
- FamilyOrchidaceae
Native toBelize, Brazil North, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Nicaragua, Panamá
Observations1,614
Observations recorded2,450
General: Vanilla planifolia is the source of vanilla, one
via GBIF · IUCN · Kew POWO
Wikidata facts
~10 min read
Article
Vanilla planifolia is a species of vanilla orchid native to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Brazil. It is one of the primary sources for vanilla flavouring, due to its high vanillin content. Common names include flat-leaved vanilla and West Indian vanilla (which is also used for the Pompona vanilla, V. pompona), though it is often simply referred to as vanilla. It was first scientifically named in 1808.
Vanilla planifolia played a large role in the early rural economy throughout Mexico and by the 20th century had become a widely cultivated crop across the world. With the species' population in decline and its habitats being converted to other purposes, the IUCN has assessed Vanilla planifolia as Endangered.