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Vanilla planifolia
Vanilla planifolia Andr., (= Vanilla fragrans Ames), the vanilla plant, Orchidaceae, is a tropical American species, now grown in many tropical countries, including India. The fermented pods (fruits) of this species are the source of vanillin, the most widely used food essence in the world. Despite the synthetic essence, the natural product still holds a huge section of the market.
Vanilla fruits have anti-caries activity, due to the presence of catechin.
Vanilla planifolia1 shows the thick leaves, white flowers and the long brown fruits. Outside its native habitat, the flowers of vanilla have to be hand pollinated to set fruit, due to the absence of the pollinating insect in the new environment.