Appearance and system at a glance
Real vanilla is the most expensive spice in the world after saffron. That is hardly surprising in view of an elaborate one cultivation the terrestrial orchid and the lengthy process of processing its pods into valuable bourbon vanilla. The following profile shows which interesting attributes the plant is endowed with:
- Genus within the orchid family (Orchidaceae)
- Evergreen, perennial terrestrial climbing plants
- Length of growth of the tendrils in the wild up to 30 meters
- Climbing height of 10 to 15 meters
- Native to Madagascar and Central America, today in all tropical regions worldwide
- Best known type: Spiced vanilla (Vanilla planifolia)
- Dark green, oval leaves with a length of 20 to 30 centimeters
- Creamy yellow, white or green-yellow, intensely fragrant flower clusters in the leaf axils
- Lifespan of a single flower is 8 hours
- Narrow, long capsule fruits 8-9 months after fertilization
- Release of numerous darker, black-shiny ones Seeds
also read
- These are the properties that characterize vanilla
- This care gives your vanilla orchid floral power
- Is Vanilla Poisonous? - Information on the toxicity of real vanilla
The vanilla orchid produces an aerial root with every leaf. This acts as an adhesive organ in that the plant holds onto its base with it. In this way it reaches the impressive size in its habitat. While the magnificent flowers exude a bewitching scent, the vanilla pods only develop the desired aroma during the months of processing.
There is a risk of itching on skin contact
Although the vanilla orchid provides us with the popular spice, the plant is not completely harmless. There is a light in the flowers and leaves more poisonous Contain plant sap, which can cause skin irritation in sensitive people and frequent contact. The result is an unpleasant itchiness, which in the growing countries torments the plantation workers if they do not take protective measures.
Tips
The high price of real vanilla is due, among other things, to the fact that the orchid is mostly to be pollinated manually. Outside their area of origin, special species of bees and hummingbirds are not native to the area as pollinators. During the flowering period, hosts of skilled plantation workers move out to carry out fertilization with the help of plant stings from cacti, orange or bamboo trees.
