Description
The seeds of this plant are covered with a bright orange to red pulpy layer; it is used as the coloring agents.
What makes it special: Is an orange-red condiment and food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree.
Low maintenance plant.
It is often used to impart a yellow or orange color to foods
The annatto tree belongs to the genus Bixa in the family Bixaceae. Shrub plant and leaves are slender, terete, slightly enlarged at the apex, 1.8- 14 cm long, more or less densely covered with minute scales Annatto is a wonder tree commonly called as lipstick tree. White or pink flowers occur in vertical upright clusters, which prominently appear above the foliage. When fully mature, the pod dries, hardens, and splits open, exposing the seeds. The color of the seed coating is due mainly to the carotenoid pigments bixin and norbixin. The heart-shaped fruit is brown or reddish brown at maturity and is covered with short, stiff hairs.Plant Specifications
Plant Height
24 inch (61 cm)
Plant Spread
6 inch (15 cm)
*above specification are indicative only. actual dimensions may vary by +-10%
Common Name
Lipstick tree, Annatto, Arnatto, Latkan, Shendri
Maximum Reachable Height
7 to 10 meter
Flower Colour
White to pink
Bloom Time
October to December
Difficulty Level
Easy
Planting and care
Refer our Garden Guide for detailed procedures and meanings of words related to gardening.
Light RequirementAt least 3-6 hours of preferably morning sunlight a day is ideal for plant to grow well and natural direct bright light for the rest of the day. SoilThe soil should be well drained and fertile, rich in organic content for growing plant. WateringPoke your finger/plain small stick into the soil to check the moisture.Apply 3 cup (Approx. 150 ml) water when top soil (1-2 inches) in pot feels dry to touch. As rule of thumb, Water the plant thoroughly in the summer and reduce watering in winter and rainy season.Do not over-water the plant.Apply water preferably in morning or evening.Application of Fertilizer Loosen the topsoil without disturbing the roots of the plant so it can uptake the nutrients and moisture easily. During the main growing season feed the plant with organic fertilizer once a month (June-July).Apply water immediately after application of fertilizer.
Re-potting When a plant outgrows in current pot, re-pot with fresh potting soil and some fertilizer.Do the re-potting late evening and keep the plant in shady area for 2 to 3 days and then move the plant in its suitable growing condition.For re-potting procedure click here
Plant ProtectionRemove dead, infected or damaged plant parts and dispose them away from the planting area.Spray Neem, Eucalyptus or Citrus oil for any insect/pest attack, as a primary treatment.
DontsDo not over water the plant especially when pot does not have drainage holes.Avoid applying water on flowers and leaves it may cause fungus infection.Annatto care
Initial care for 1-2 weeks after receiving plant at your location:
Keep the plant in Natural indirect bright Light.Poke your finger/plain small stick into the soil to check the moisture.Apply 3 cup (Approx. 150 ml) water when top soil (1-2 inches) in pot feels dry to touchDo not re-pot for min. 2 weeks after receiving it.
Key requirements to keep plant healthy:
Sunlight
Natural direct bright light 3-6 hours of a day and natural direct bright light for the rest of the day.
Watering
Apply 3 cup (Approx. 150 ml) water when top soil (1-2 inches) in pot feels dry to touch.
Soil
Soil should be well drain and fertile, rich in organic content
Temperature
25 to 35 degree Celsius
Fertilizer
Apply any organic fertilizer once a month (June-July).
Annatto special featureThe seed coat is used as coloring agents.Annatto uses
Ornamental Use:
The plant is used for an ornamental purpose
Culinary Use:
Used in the preparations of coloring agents
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