Vanilla planifolia

Native from southern Mexico to northern Brazil, this perennial climbing orchid has fleshy stems, thick leaves, and aerial roots that grip trees. Its pale yellow-green flowers last only one day. Commercial growers usually pollinate them by hand to produce the elongated seed capsules known as vanilla beans. Freshly harvested beans lack the familiar vanilla flavor; drying and curing develop their aroma. The cured fruit is the main source of natural vanilla used in foods and perfumes. It has naturalized in Florida, but is endangered in the wild. Photographed in Colombia.