Bixa orellana aka Lipstick Tree

Taxonomy

Genus Bixa Family Bixaceae Order Malvales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Bixa orellana, also known as achiote or lipstick tree, is a small but fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree native to Central America and commonly grown in many areas of the tropics. The tree is best known for its annatto, a natural orange-red condiment obtained from the waxy arils that cover its seeds. The ground seeds are widely used in traditional dishes in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, as well as a food coloring for products such as butter, cheese, margarine, ice creams, meats, and condiments. The indigenous peoples of North, Central, and South America originally used the seeds to make red body paint and lipstick, as well as a spice. Lipsticktree is also a super rare houseplant that is easy to grow and belongs to the Bixa genus, thriving in long-lasting, direct light less than one foot from a window. This plant is very important to the lives of local people, providing a wide range of foods and materials and is often cultivated for the red substance that surrounds the seeds and which is widely used as a dye, food coloring, flavouring, and insect repellent.

Common names

Lipstick Tree, Annatto, Achiote

How to care for Lipstick Tree

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Lipstick Tree due to its easy-going nature.

Lighting

Lipstick Tree thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Achiote.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Lipstick Tree’s native range is S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama to Mexico.

More info:
Wikipedia

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