Vanilla planifolia grows as an evergreen vine, either on the ground or on trees. It will sometimes grow as an epiphyte without rooting in the soil. When rooted in the soil its terrestrial roots are branched and develop fine root … See more

Vanilla planifolia is a native of the neotropical realm, from southern Mexico through Central America, Colombia, and the northern portions of See more

In its native habitat Vanilla planifolia depends on one or more pollinators. Several species of bee have been proposed including Euglossa species, Eulaema cingulata, … See more

Vanilla planifolia has been propagated clonally through cuttings rather than from seeds and selective breeding. As of 2023 there is only one patented cultivar, "Handa", and very few other named cultivars. The most important of these cultivars for … See more

The first scientific description of Vanilla planifolia was published by Henry Charles Andrews in the eighth volume of his The Botanist's Repository. In his description he credits Charles Plumier as having published a description of it in 1703 as the third species of the … See more

The major chemical components from the pods are vanillin, vanillic acid, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. … See more

The sap of most species of Vanilla orchid which exudes from cut stems or where pods are harvested can cause moderate to severe dermatitis if … See more