Vanilla planifolia | |
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1887 illustration from Köhler's Medicinal Plants | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Orchidaceae |
Subfamily: | Vanilloideae |
Genus: | Vanilla |
Species: | V. planifolia
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Binomial name | |
Vanilla planifolia | |
Synonyms[4] | |
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Vanilla planifolia is a species of vanilla orchid native to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Brazil.[2] It is one of the primary sources for vanilla flavouring, due to its high vanillin content. Common names include flat-leaved vanilla,[5] and West Indian vanilla (also used for the Pompona vanilla, V. pompona). Often, it is simply referred to as "the vanilla," or just vanilla.[6] It was first scientifically named in 1808. With the species' population in decline and its habitats being converted to other purposes, the IUCN has assessed Vanilla planifolia as Endangered.[1]