🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
The primary use of Vanilla planifolia in permaculture is for vanilla bean production. Beans are used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages. It can be integrated into agroforestry systems providing shade and support for the vine. Vanilla extract can be made. Vanilla also has some purported medicinal uses.
Permapeople description
Vanilla planifolia is a species of vanilla orchid. It is native to Mexico and Central America, and is now cultivated in tropical regions around the world. It is the primary source of vanilla flavoring, derived from the cured seed pods.
Botanical description
Vanilla planifolia is a climbing orchid native to Mexico. It has thick, fleshy green stems that cling to supports via aerial roots. The leaves are oval-shaped and smooth. The flowers are pale greenish-yellow and relatively large, but only last for a short period. The fruit is a long, slender pod (the vanilla bean) that turns dark brown to black when ripe. It requires hand-pollination outside of its native range.
Companion planting
Vanilla benefits from being grown alongside trees that provide shade and support. It can be intercropped with coffee, cocoa, or other fruit trees. Avoid planting vanilla near plants that compete heavily for nutrients or harbor pests and diseases that could affect the orchid.
Propagation methods
Vanilla planifolia is typically propagated by stem cuttings. Cuttings should have several nodes and be planted in a well-draining growing medium. Air layering is also possible. Seed propagation is extremely difficult and rarely used outside of research settings.
History and traditions
Vanilla has been used for centuries by the indigenous peoples of Mexico, particularly the Totonac people, for flavoring beverages and as a medicinal remedy. The Aztecs also valued vanilla. Spanish conquistadors brought vanilla to Europe in the 16th century, where it became a popular flavoring agent. Madagascar is now the world's largest producer of vanilla.
Usage calendar
Flowering typically occurs in the spring. Pollination is usually done by hand soon after. The beans require several months to mature and are typically harvested when they turn a light-yellowish green, about 6-9 months after flowering. Curing the beans takes several more months.