Vanilla (genus)

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Vanilla
Vanilleblute1.jpg
Flat-leaved vanilla ( Vanilla planifolia )
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Vanilloideae
Tribe: Vanilleae
Genus: Vanilla
Plumier ex Mill., 1754
Species

see List of Vanilla species

Map Vanilla.png
Green: Distribution of Vanilla species
Synonyms [1]
  • VanillophorumNeck.
  • MyrobromaSalisb.
  • DictyophyllariaGaray
  • MigueliaAver.

Vanilla, the vanilla orchids, forms a flowering plant genus of about 110 species in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). This evergreen genus occurs worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions, from tropical America to tropical Asia, New Guinea and West Africa. [1] Five species are known from the contiguous United States, all limited to southern Florida. [2]

Contents

The most widely known member is the flat-leaved vanilla ( V. planifolia ), native to Mexico and Belize, [3] from which commercial vanilla flavoring is derived. It is the only orchid widely used for industrial purposes in flavoring such products as foods, beverages and cosmetics, and is recognized as the most popular aroma and flavor. [4] The key constituent imparting its flavour is the phenolic aldehyde vanillin. [5]

The genus was established in 1754 by Plumier, after J. Miller. The word vanilla, derived from the diminutive of the Spanish word vaina (vaina itself meaning sheath or pod), simply translates as little pod.

Description

Flat-leaved vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) habitus Vanilla planifolia.jpeg
Flat-leaved vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) habitus

This genus of vine-like plants has a monopodial climbing habitus. They can form long thin stems with a length of more than 35 m, with alternate leaves spread along their length. The short, oblong, dark green leaves of Vanilla are thick and leathery, even fleshy in some species. But there are also a significant number of species that have their leaves reduced to scales or have become nearly or totally leafless and appear to use their green climbing stems for photosynthesis. Long and strong aerial roots grow from each node.

The racemose inflorescence's short-lived flowers arise successively on short peduncles from the leaf axils or scales. There may be up to 100 flowers on a single raceme, but usually no less than 20. The flowers are quite large and attractive with white, green, greenish yellow or cream colors. The flowers' sepals and petals are similar. The lip is tubular-shaped and surrounds the long, bristly column, opening up, as the bell of a trumpet, at its apex. The anther is at the top of the column and hangs over the stigma, separated by the rostellum. Most Vanilla flowers have a sweet scent.

Blooming occurs only when the flowers are fully grown. Each flower opens up in the morning and closes late in the afternoon on the same day, never to reopen. If pollination has not occurred meanwhile, it will be shed. The flowers are self-fertile, but need pollinators to perform this task. In the Neotropics, the flowers were historically presumed to be pollinated by stingless bees (e.g. Melipona ) or hummingbirds, but this was never confirmed; the only actual documented pollination (i.e., producing seed set) is recorded for an orchid bee, Eulaema meriana , visiting Vanilla grandiflora in Peru, [6] and pollinia of Vanilla species have been observed attached to other species of Eulaema in Panama, [7] and pollinia of Vanilla pompona are carried by males of Eulaema cingulata in Peru. [8] Hand pollination is the most reliable method in commercially grown vanilla. [9] Vanilla plantations require trees for the orchids to climb and anchor by its roots. [9]

The fruit is termed "vanilla bean", though true beans are fabaceous eudicots not at all closely related to orchids. Rather, the vanilla fruit is technically an elongate, fleshy and later dehiscent capsule 10–20 cm long. It ripens gradually for 8 to 9 months after flowering, eventually turning black in color and giving off a strong aroma. Each pod contains thousands of minute seeds, and both the pods and seeds within are used to create vanilla flavoring. Vanilla beans are harvested by hand from commercial orchards. [9]

Vanilla species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, such as the woolly bear moths Hypercompe eridanus and H. icasia . Off-season or when abandoned, they may serve as habitat for animals of open forest, e.g. on the Comoros for Robert Mertens's day gecko (Phelsuma robertmertensi).

Selected species

The taxonomy of the genus Vanilla is complex. [10]

This is a partial list of species or synonyms:

Pompona vanilla (Vanilla pompona) Vanilla pompona (Botanischer Garten TU Darmstadt).jpg
Pompona vanilla ( Vanilla pompona )

Aroma and flavor

Regarded as the world's most popular aroma and flavor, [12] vanilla contains the phenolic aldehyde, vanillin, as well as anisaldehyde, together accounting for its predominant sensory characteristics. [5] Vanilla is a widely used aroma and flavor compound for foods, beverages and cosmetics, [4] [12] as indicated by its popularity as an ice cream flavor. [13]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orchid</span> Family of flowering plants in the order Asparagales

Orchids are plants that belong to the family Orchidaceae, a diverse and widespread group of flowering plants with blooms that are often colourful and fragrant. Orchids are cosmopolitan plants that are found in almost every habitat on Earth except glaciers. The world's richest diversity of orchid genera and species is found in the tropics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vanilla</span> Spice extracted from orchids of the genus Vanilla

Vanilla is a spice derived from orchids of the genus Vanilla, primarily obtained from pods of the flat-leaved vanilla (V. planifolia).

<i>Bulbophyllum</i> Genus of orchids

Bulbophyllum is a genus of mostly epiphytic and lithophytic orchids in the family Orchidaceae. It is the largest genus in the orchid family and one of the largest genera of flowering plants with more than 2,000 species, exceeded in number only by Astragalus. These orchids are found in diverse habitats throughout most of the warmer parts of the world including Africa, southern Asia, Latin America, the West Indies, and various islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Orchids in this genus have thread-like or fibrous roots that creep over the surface of trees or rocks or hang from branches. The stem is divided into a rhizome and a pseudobulb, a feature that distinguished this genus from Dendrobium. There is usually only a single leaf at the top of the pseudobulb and from one to many flowers are arranged along an unbranched flowering stem that arises from the base of the pseudobulb. Several attempts have been made to separate Bulbophyllum into smaller genera, but most have not been accepted by the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vanillin</span> Chemical compound

Vanillin is an organic compound with the molecular formula C8H8O3. It is a phenolic aldehyde. Its functional groups include aldehyde, hydroxyl, and ether. It is the primary component of the extract of the vanilla bean. Synthetic vanillin is now used more often than natural vanilla extract as a flavoring in foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.

Vanilla is a flavoring.

<i>Stanhopea</i> Genus of orchids

Stanhopea is a genus of the orchid family (Orchidaceae) from Central and South America. The abbreviation used in horticultural trade is Stan. The genus is named for the 4th Earl of Stanhope (1781-1855), president of the Medico-Botanical Society of London (1829-1837). It comprises 55 species and 5 natural hybrids. These epiphytic, but occasionally terrestrial orchids can be found in damp forests from Mexico to Trinidad to NW Argentina. Their ovate pseudobulbs carry from the top one long, plicate, elliptic leaf.

<i>Cymbidium</i> Genus of flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae

Cymbidium, commonly known as boat orchids, is a genus of evergreen flowering plants in the orchid family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are epiphytic, lithophytic, terrestrial or rarely leafless saprophytic herbs usually with pseudobulbs. There are usually between three and twelve leaves arranged in two ranks on each pseudobulb or shoot and lasting for several years. From one to a large number of flowers are arranged on an unbranched flowering stem arising from the base of the pseudobulb. The sepals and petals are all free from and similar to each other. The labellum is significantly different from the other petals and the sepals and has three lobes. There are about fifty-five species and sixteen further natural hybrids occurring in the wild from tropical and subtropical Asia to Australia. Cymbidiums are well known in horticulture and many cultivars have been developed. The genome of Cymbidium mannii has been sequenced to study epiphytism and crassulacean acid metabolism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vanilla extract</span> Culinary liquid made from vanilla pods in ethanol solution

Vanilla extract is a solution made by macerating and percolating vanilla pods in a solution of ethanol and water. It is considered an essential ingredient in many Western desserts, especially baked goods like cakes, cookies, brownies, and cupcakes, as well as custards, ice creams, and puddings. Although its primary flavor compound is vanillin, pure vanilla extract contains several hundred additional flavor compounds, which are responsible for its complex, deep flavor. By contrast, artificial vanilla flavor is solely made up of artificially derived vanillin, which is frequently made from a by-product of the wood pulp industry. Because of the way that vanilla extract is made, there is no possible way for it to be colorless or clear. Therefore, any clear vanilla flavoring is artificial.

<i>Acineta</i> Genus of epiphytes

Acineta, abbreviated as Acn in horticultural trade, is a small genus belonging to the orchid family (Orchidaceae). The name is derived from the Greek word 'akinetos' (immobile), referring to the rigid labellum (lip).

<i>Dendrophylax lindenii</i> Species of orchid

Dendrophylax lindenii, the ghost orchid is a rare perennial epiphyte from the orchid family (Orchidaceae). It is native to Florida, the Bahamas, and Cuba. Other common names include palm polly and white frog orchid.

<i>Encyclia</i> Genus of orchids

Encyclia is a genus of orchids. The genus name comes from Greek enkykleomai, referring to the lateral lobes of the lip which encircle the column. It is abbreviated as E. in the horticultural trade.

Domesticated plants of Mesoamerica, established by agricultural developments and practices over several thousand years of pre-Columbian history, include maize and capsicum. A list of Mesoamerican cultivars and staples:

<i>Vanilla planifolia</i> Species of orchid

Vanilla planifolia is a species of vanilla orchid native to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Brazil. It is one of the primary sources for vanilla flavouring, due to its high vanillin content. Common names include flat-leaved vanilla, and West Indian vanilla. Often, it is simply referred to as "the vanilla," or just vanilla. 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.

<i>Vanilla pompona</i> Species of orchid

Vanilla pompona is a species of vanilla orchid. It is native to Mexico and northern South America, and is one of the sources for vanilla flavouring, due to its high vanillin content.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vanilla ice cream</span> Ice cream flavor

Vanilla is frequently used to flavor ice cream, especially in North America, Asia, and Europe. Vanilla ice cream, like other flavors of ice cream, was originally created by cooling a mixture made of cream, sugar, and vanilla above a container of ice and salt. The type of vanilla used to flavor ice cream varies by location. In North America and Europe consumers are interested in a more prominent, smoky flavor, while in Ireland, a more anise-like flavor is desired. To create the smooth consistency of ice cream, the mixture has to be stirred occasionally and then returned to the container of ice and salt to continue the solidification process. According to Iced: 180 Very Cool Concoctions, many people often consider vanilla to be the "default" or "plain" flavor of ice cream.

<i>Vanilla polylepis</i> Species of orchid

Vanilla polylepis is a climbing orchid species in the plant family Orchidaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, with a range spanning the width of the continent, from Kenya to Angola. It grows in high-altitude evergreen and swamp forests between 1,200–1,500 m (3,900–4,900 ft) and is often found growing on trees bordering rivers and waterfalls. Plants produce bright green, fleshy stems, 10–12 mm (0.39–0.47 in) in diameter, with large, glossy leaves. White, aerial roots form on the stems allowing the orchids to attach themselves to trees for support. As with many orchids, they produce showy flowers, which in the case of V. polylepis are white and yellow with a pink to maroon blotch. This differentiates them from similar species. They have seedpod-like fruits, called capsules, which produce a distinctive aroma as they dry. They are closely related to the well-known species Vanilla planifolia, whose seed pods are used commercially in the production of vanilla flavouring.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vanilla production in French Polynesia</span> Crop production in French Polynesia

Vanilla production contributes to the local economy of French Polynesia. Although it was a major export crop after its introduction by the French in 1848, vanilla is no longer a significant export product.

<i>Vanilla <span style="font-style:normal;">×</span> tahitensis</i> Species of orchid

Vanilla × tahitensis is a hybrid orchid in the genus Vanilla. It was first described by the botanist John William Moore in 1933 from Raiatea in the Society Islands, where it was found growing on trees, having escaped from cultivation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pollination of orchids</span>

The pollination of orchids is a complex chapter in the biology of this family of plants that are distinguished by the complexity of their flowers and by intricate ecological interactions with their pollinator agents. It has captured the attention of numerous scientists over time, including Charles Darwin, father of the theory of evolution by natural selection. Darwin published in 1862 the first observations of the fundamental role of insects in orchid pollination, in his book The Fertilization of Orchids. Darwin stated that the varied stratagems orchids use to attract their pollinators transcend the imagination of any human being.

<i>Vanilla odorata</i> Species of plant in the family Orchidaceae

Vanilla odorata, also known as vanilla tlatepusco, is a species of flowering plant in the family Orchidaceae, native to southern Mexico, Central America, and tropical South America. With Vanilla planifolia it is a parent of the vanilla crop species Vanilla × tahitensis.

References

  1. 1 2 "World Checklist of Selected Plant Families: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew". kew.org.
  2. "Vanilla in Flora of North America @ efloras.org". efloras.org.
  3. Vega, M.; Hernández, M.; Herrera-Cabrera, B.E.; Wegier, A. (2020). "Vanilla planifolia". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2020: e.T103090930A172970359. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T103090930A172970359.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  4. 1 2 Sinha, A. K.; Sharma, U. K.; Sharma, N (2008). "A comprehensive review on vanilla flavor: Extraction, isolation and quantification of vanillin and others constituents". International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition. 59 (4): 299–326. doi:10.1080/09687630701539350. PMID   17886091. S2CID   37559260.
  5. 1 2 Takahashi M, Inai Y, Miyazawa N, Kurobayashi Y, Fujita A (2013). "Identification of the key odorants in Tahitian cured vanilla beans (Vanilla tahitensis) by GC-MS and an aroma extract dilution analysis". Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 77 (3): 601–5. doi: 10.1271/bbb.120840 . PMID   23470766. S2CID   39521387.
  6. Lubinsky P, Van Dam M, Van Dam A (2006) Pollination of Vanilla and evolution in Orchidaceae. Lindleyana. 75:926–929
  7. Ackerman, J.D. 1983. Specificity and mutual dependency of the orchid–euglossine bee interaction. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 20:301–314
  8. Watteyn, C., Scaccabarozzi, D., Muys, B., Van Der Schueren, N., Van Meerbeek, K., Guizar Amador, M. F., Ackerman, J. D., Cedeño Fonseca, M. V., Chinchilla Alvarado, I. F., Reubens, B., Pillco Huarcaya, R., Cozzolino, S., & Karremans, A. P. (2022). Trick or treat? Pollinator attraction in Vanilla pompona (Orchidaceae). Biotropica 54: 268– 274. https://doi.org/10.1111/btp.13034
  9. 1 2 3 Mauseth, James (2016). Botany: An Introduction To Plant Biology, 6th edition. Jones & Bartlett Learning. p. 656. ISBN   978-1284123586.
  10. Bory, Séverine; Michel Grisoni; Marie-France Duval; Pascale Besse (July 21, 2007). "Biodiversity and preservation of vanilla: present state of knowledge". Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 55 (4). Springer Netherlands: 551–571. doi:10.1007/s10722-007-9260-3. ISSN   1573-5109. S2CID   34673230.
  11. "GRIN Species Records of Vanilla". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2011-03-02.
  12. 1 2 Rain, Patricia (2004). Vanilla: The Cultural History of the World's Most Popular Flavor and Fragrance . Tarcher. ISBN   9781585423637.
  13. "Vanilla remains top ice cream flavor with Americans". International Dairy Foods Association, Washington, DC. 23 July 2013. Retrieved 29 August 2016.