Family:  Orchidaceae
Scientific name:  Vanilla fragrans
Common name:  Vanilla

Native of:  Mexico

Greenhouse location:  Room G

As the second most expensive spice/flavoring in the world, vanilla has had a long history of human usage dating back to the Aztecs.

The vines are cultivated for the fruit commonly (but incorrectly) referred to as vanilla "beans." As the fruit pods mature, they turn brown and split open—releasing the seeds and a wonderful vanilla fragrance. The pods contain millions of tiny seeds and the oil extracted to produce the familiar vanilla flavoring.

Wild vines of Vanilla fragrans are pollinated by bees and hummingbirds. Although the flowers are self-fertile (pollination occurring from transfer of the pollen from the anther to the stigma), less than 1 percent in the wild pollinate and produce fruit. Vanilla farmers hand pollinate the flowers of cultivated vines to obtain a steady crop of "beans."