Vanilla, Tahitian vanilla
Vanilla tahitensis
Family: Orchidaceae
What it is like
A climbing orchid. It climbs on trees. The stems are zig-zag. It has slender stems, narrow leaves and small pods that taper at both ends.
Known only from cultivation, probably a hybrid.
Where it is found
A tropical plant.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Hawaii, India, Pacific, Tahiti, Vanuatu
How it is used for food
The fruit or pods are used for flavouring.
It is cultivated.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
Vanilla x hirsuta M. A. Clem. & D. L. Jones;