Vanilla Miller
The Gardeners Dictionary...Abridged...fourth edition 3: Vanilla. 1754

Introduction: A genus of about ninety species in both tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Species are recorded for tropical West Africa, Sri Lanka, South-east Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea and adjacent islands; for the Americas, in southern Florida, Caribbean Islands and the West Indies, Mexico and South America. Four species are native to New Guinea and three commercial species have been introduced here.

The species Vanilla planifolia Jackson is the source of the vanilla flavouring. It is an economically important commercial plant which has been introduced in a number of countries, where it sometimes has become 'naturalized' in some areas. This species is endemic to Mexico, Central America and the West Indies.

Read more about Vanilla growing & World Market

Derivation of genus name: The genus was first described by Philip Miller in 1754 taking the name from the Spanish vainilla (small pod) in reference to the long, slender, pod-like fruit. The generic name is often ascribed to O. Swartz who described it in 1799.

Type species: Epidendrum vanillaL. (= Vanilla mexicana Miller).

Characteristics of genus: Robust, vine-like climbers, with very long, green, branched, leafy stems. The short, lateral inflorescence arises from the leaf axils and carries few to several, wide-spreading flowers which last only one day. Vanilla plants are inhabitants of the lowland and lower montane rain forests.

Number of species in New Guinea: Four species are found in New Guinea, V. kaniense Schltr., V. kempteriana Schltr., V. ramosa J.J. Smith and V. wariensis Schltr.

Habitat: The New Guinea species can be found from near sea level up to around 600 m altitude, growing up saplings and large trees in partial and full shade; also found as a scrambler over rock faces and shrubs.

Conservation status: unknown

Species shown here: Vanilla tahitensis J.D. Moore
drawn by Neville H.S. Howcroft from live specimen ex LAES Keravat, East New Britain Province

Key to Illustration: A: portion of plant with inflorescence; B:fruit or 'Vanilla Bean'

View photos: Vanilla species, V. planifolia & Vanilla beans; Vanilla kempterianum