Vanilla planifolia Andrews

Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) is a vine up to 5-15 meters long of the Orchidaceae family, first known by Indians in Mexico, only entering Indonesia in 1819 but growing more fertile in the archipelago's tropical climate. Its fragrant pods are a world-class cooking spice and drink flavoring. Vanilla is also believed to be antioxidant and to help soften the skin.

Vanilla plants can grow and produce at elevations of 0-1,200 m above sea level, but for commercial purposes should be cultivated at elevations of 0-600 m above sea level. Desired rainfall is 1,000-2,000 mm/year with a temperature of 20-30°C, air humidity 65-75%, soil pH 5.5-7.0 and rich in organic matter.

• Root there are 2 types, namely hanging roots and roots arranged in the soil.
• Stem cylindrical, green in color, somewhat soft, jointed and noded, average length 15 cm.
• Leaves single, alternate position, bright green, 10-25 cm long, 5-7 cm wide, flat, fleshy, ovate, oval or lance-shaped with a pointed tip.
• Flowers in racemes, trumpet-shaped, greenish-yellow in color, emerging from leaf axils,
• Fruit a pod, soft, fleshy, green to brown. each fruit maximum 10 seeds
• Seeds black, hard, glossy round flat or oval.

• Propagated generatively (seed) and vegetatively (tendril cuttings).
• Tendril cuttings: choose a superior, healthy plant that looks lush, has high vanilla seed pod productivity, is about 2-3 meters tall.

Vanillin, P-hydroxy benzaldehyde, piperonal, anisaldehyde, hydroxy benzoic acid, anisic acid, caproic acid, vitispiranes, coumarin.

Reduces appetite, remedy for dizziness/headache, softens skin, antimutagenic and angiogenesis in cancer cells, antioxidant.

• Wash the vanilla pod first with plain water, then wilt using 2 methods. First, dipping into hot water or boiling water. Second, by frying.
• Put the vanilla pod into a box lined with black cloth for 24 hours.
• Dry by sun-drying for 5-10 days or with an oven.
• Store the simplisia in a clean, airtight container.

No information found. Further research needed.