Bixa orellana
Bixa orellana L.
Annatto is a tropical shrub famous for its vibrant red seeds used as natural dye and spice for thousands of years. With charming pink flowers and spiny red seed pods, it is both ornamental and culturally significant worldwide.
Bixaceae (Bixa family)
Throughout the year in tropical climates, primarily spring and summer
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: callicarpas and erigerons also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Annatto holds profound cultural significance throughout the Americas, where indigenous peoples have used it for millennia. Called "lipstick tree" because ancient civilizations used the red dye for body paint, cosmetics, and spiritual rituals. The Aztecs used annatto as red ink for manuscript painting in the 16th century. Taíno people in Puerto Rico, Brazilian tribes, Tsáchila of Ecuador, and Amazonian communities used it for decorative purposes and as protection against evil spirits. The dye symbolizes cultural identity and connection to ancestral traditions. Today, annatto is the second most important natural food colorant in the world, used to color cheese, butter, and traditional dishes across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. The plant represents the sustainable use of indigenous knowledge in modern commerce.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade (best in full sun)
Water
Moderate water needs, drought tolerant once established, prefers consistent moisture
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy, Loamy, Average to moderately fertile, Neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.5-7.5)
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in warm, frost-free locations
Tolerates pruning and can be maintained as hedge
Propagate from seeds or cuttings (cuttings flower earlier)
Grows quickly in tropical conditions
Hardy in zones 10-12
Harvest seed pods when they turn reddish-brown and bristly
Drought tolerant but produces better with regular watering
No serious pest or disease problems
Can be grown in large containers
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Specimen shrub for tropical gardens
- Hedgerow and living fence plantings
- Accent plant with ornamental flowers and fruits
- Container plant in conservatories
- Flower borders and screening
- Edible landscaping
Traditional Uses
- Traditional use as astringent and purgative
- Leaf decoctions used for dysentery and digestive issues
- Applied to sprains and headaches in traditional medicine
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Seeds used historically for treating intestinal parasites
- Antimicrobial activity demonstrated in extracts
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bixa orellana
What is annatto used for?
Annatto seeds are used as a natural orange-red food coloring for cheese, butter, and traditional dishes. The dye is also used in cosmetics, textiles, and body paint. As a spice, annatto adds mild earthy flavor to Latin American and Caribbean cuisine.
Is annatto safe to eat?
Yes, annatto is considered safe and is approved by the FDA and EFSA as a food coloring. It has been used safely for thousands of years. Some people may have rare allergic reactions, but this is uncommon.
How do you harvest annatto seeds?
Harvest annatto pods when they turn reddish-brown and the spiny exterior becomes dry. Split open the pods to reveal the red seeds. The waxy red coating on seeds is scraped off and processed into paste or powder.
Can you grow annatto from seeds?
Yes, annatto is easily grown from fresh seeds. Plant in warm soil, barely cover with soil, and keep moist. Germination occurs in 1-2 weeks. Plants grown from cuttings bloom earlier than seedlings.
Why is it called lipstick tree?
Annatto earned the name lipstick tree because indigenous peoples of the Americas traditionally used the red dye from seeds as lipstick, body paint, and cosmetics for ceremonial and decorative purposes.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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