Vanilla planifolia

Today Rich was excited to point out the vanilla orchid that was blooming. Apparently it’s rare to find this plant in a greenhouse at all, and rarer still to find one blooming.

Species page at PhytoImages, http://phytoimages.siu.edu/cgi-bin/dol/dol_terminal.pl?taxon_name=Vanilla_planifolia&rank=binomial

Photo taken at SIUC Plant Biology Greenhouse, http://www.plantbiology.siu.edu/facilities/plant-biology-facilities/greenhouse/index.php

From KEW Gardens in London, http://www.kew.org/plants-fungi/Vanilla-planifolia.htm » “Vanilla is one of the most popular flavours in the world and was first used by the Aztec people in Mexico to flavour cocoa.

“The vanilla orchid Vanilla planifolia grows wild in tropical forests and belongs to one of the oldest and largest groups of flowering plants – the orchids (Orchidaceae). Of all the orchids, the vanillas (members of the Vanilla genus) are the only ones that produce an agriculturally valuable crop, and 95% of the world’s traded vanilla pods are derived from just one species – V. planifolia.

“After pollination, vanilla pods develop over four weeks and are then harvested, dried and cured to produce the distinctive flavour we know and love. The pods may be used whole, or split and the tiny seeds scraped out, to infuse cream and custard-based sauces.”

It’s the “magic ingredient” in the homemade frosting I make for Clare’s birthday (and Mother’s Day?) cakes!
» http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2013-04-14
» http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-04-09
» http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-04-09

Note. I don’t like to use Photoshop for editing other than cropping and adding my name, but I did do one small edit with the clone stamp to remove a blemish on the flower…

One year ago (“Covered in dew”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-04-17
Two years ago (“This probably looks like a desperation choice…”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-04-17

[Danette Thompson]

Look at all the buds! I like how this is mostly open, but not entirely.

[Rick Schies]

Well then I'd say it is pretty special

[Thom Mitchell]

@danette I'm told this is about-as-open as they get. Without a lot of splashy color or dramatic blooms, this isn't a terribly remarkable plant, but my goodness what vanilla contributes to our cuisine, no?!?

[Lisa Pouncy]

Stunning focus. I can see from this how vanilla pods develop xx