Bixa orellana L.

Biteks, or annatto (Bixa orellana), is a tropical shrub 6-10 meters tall of the Bixaceae family, native to South America and long used as a natural dye in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Philippines. In Indonesia, this plant is distributed across Java, Madura, South Sulawesi, and Ambon, and also serves as a traditional remedy. Its red seeds are believed to reduce fever, aid digestion, and speed wound healing.

Grows in lowlands up to 1,200 m above sea level. This plant favors open areas with direct sunlight, year-round humidity, good drainage, and reasonably fertile soil. Grows well in subtropical to tropical climates.

• Leaves simple, long-stalked, ovate, smooth margins, pinnate venation.
• Flowers compound, pink or white.
• Fruit rambutan-like, green when young and dark red when ripe, flattened, with a tip that splits open so the seeds can spill out quickly.
• Seeds small and red.

Propagated generatively using seed, and vegetatively by air layering.

Tannins, saponins, bixin, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, phenolic compounds, glycosides, flavonoids, norbixin, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, benzoic acid, acetic acid, pantolactone, cyanidin.

Aids and maintains digestive health; reduces fever and influenza; strengthens bones; helps prevent cancer and neural tube defects; addresses stomach pain; speeds wound healing; treats diarrhea, dysentery, bloating, and colds.

Kasumba, Buah prada, Gelinggem, Kunyit jawa (Sumatra), Galinggem, Galuga, Kesumba king, Pacar kling, Somba kling, Kasoba kleng (Java), Sumba, Tuwa, Rapo parada, Paparada (Sulawesi), Taluka, Galuga, Kasumba, Kasupa (Maluku).