Status:
valid
Authors:
Lindl.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1862
Citation Micro:
J. Proc. Linn. Soc., Bot. 6: 137 (1862)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000331398
Common Names
- Vanilla africana
- Africana Vanilla
- Africana
Synonyms
- Angraecum africanum (Lindl.) Jacob-Makoy [unknown]
Description
Vanilla africana (also called Vanilla Orchid, among many other common names) is an evergreen vine native to tropical regions of the world. It has long, thin leaves and grows in tropical forests and other humid habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Vanilla africana is used in perfumes, cosmetics, and as a flavoring agent in food and beverages. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, headache, and stomachache.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Flower: White or yellowish, tubular, fragrant. Seed: Brown, oblong, flat. Seedlings: Oval-shaped cotyledons, hairy stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Vanilla africana can be propagated by seed or division. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained, sandy soil and kept moist. Division is best done in the spring. Plants should be divided every 3-4 years to ensure healthy growth.
Where to Find Vanilla africana
Vanilla africana can be found in the tropical regions of Africa, particularly in Angola, Cameroon, and Congo.
Vanilla africana FAQ
What is the scientific name of Vanilla africana?
Vanilla africana
What is the natural habitat of Vanilla africana?
Tropical forests of Africa
What are the uses of Vanilla africana?
Used for flavoring food, perfumes, and medicines
Species in the Vanilla genus
Vanilla abundiflora,
Vanilla acuminata,
Vanilla acuta,
Vanilla africana,
Vanilla albida,
Vanilla andamanica,
Vanilla angustipetala,
Vanilla annamica,
Vanilla aphylla,
Vanilla appendiculata,
Vanilla bahiana,
Vanilla barbellata,
Vanilla barrereana,
Vanilla bertoniensis,
Vanilla bicolor,
Vanilla borneensis,
Vanilla bradei,
Vanilla calyculata,
Vanilla chalotii,
Vanilla chamissonis,
Vanilla claviculata,
Vanilla columbiana,
Vanilla coursii,
Vanilla crenulata,
Vanilla cristagalli,
Vanilla cucullata,
Vanilla decaryana,
Vanilla diabolica,
Vanilla dietschiana,
Vanilla dilloniana,
Vanilla dubia,
Vanilla dungsii,
Vanilla edwallii,
Vanilla fimbriata,
Vanilla francoisii,
Vanilla gardneri,
Vanilla giulianettii,
Vanilla grandifolia,
Vanilla griffithii,
Vanilla guianensis,
Vanilla hallei,
Vanilla hamata,
Vanilla hartii,
Vanilla havilandii,
Vanilla helleri,
Vanilla heterolopha,
Vanilla hostmannii,
Vanilla humblotii,
Vanilla imperialis,
Vanilla inodora,
Species in the Orchidaceae family
Aa fiebrigii,
Aa hartwegii,
Aa hieronymi,
Aa leucantha,
Aa lorentzii,
Aa macra,
Aa achalensis,
Aa maderoi,
Aa mandonii,
Aa matthewsii,
Aa microtidis,
Aa paleacea,
Aa argyrolepis,
Aa riobambae,
Aa rosei,
Aa schickendanzii,
Aa sphaeroglossa,
Aa trilobulata,
Aa weddelliana,
Aa aurantiaca,
Aa calceata,
Aa colombiana,
Aa denticulata,
Aa erosa,
Aa figueroi,
Aa lozanoi,
Aa lehmannii,
Acampe carinata,
Acampe cephalotes,
Acampe ochracea,
Acampe pachyglossa,
Acampe praemorsa,
Acampe joiceyana,
Acampe hulae,
Acanthophippium bicolor,
Acanthophippium chrysoglossum,
Acanthophippium curtisii,
Acanthophippium eburneum,
Acanthophippium gougahense,
Acanthophippium javanicum,
Acanthophippium lilacinum,
Acanthophippium mantinianum,
Acanthophippium parviflorum,
Acanthophippium pictum,
Acanthophippium splendidum,
Acanthophippium striatum,
Acanthophippium sylhetense,
Acanthophippium curtisii,
Achlydosa glandulosa,
Acianthera aculeata,