SafePlants

Bixa orellana: The Annatto, Achiote, or Lipstick Tree

Bixa orellana, commonly known as annatto, achiote, or lipstick tree, is a fascinating plant with a rich history and diverse uses.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• The plant produces spiny, red fruit with hard, deep red seeds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Bixa orellana L.
• Common Names: Achiote, Aploppas, Annatto, Annato, Arnotta, Bija, Latkan, Lipstick Tree, Rocou, Rocouyer, Roucou, Urucum.
• Family: Bixaceae
• Synonyms: Bixa acuminate, Bixa Urucurana, Bixa acuminata, Bixa Americana, Bixa orleana, Bixa tinctora, Bixa amaricana, Bixa urucurana, Bixa acuminate Bojer, Orellana Americana Kuntze.
• Genus: Bixa (monotypic)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the tropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.
• Naturalized in other locations.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Described as a shrub or small tree.
• Characterized by spiny red fruit with hard, deep red seeds.
• It contains brightly colored red annatto seeds.

Traditional and Cultural Uses

• The red dye extracted from the seeds has held symbolic power since antiquity, particularly in tropical America.
• The plant has been traditionally used in Central and South America to treat ailments, including internal inflammation.
• Used by indigenous communities in Brazil and other tropical countries.

Uses

• The seeds are the source of annatto dye, which contains a reddish-orange carotenoid pigment.
• The seeds are used as a spice, in cosmetics, and as an industrial dye.

Quirky Facts

• The plant is commonly called the "lipstick tree" because it contains brightly colored red annatto seeds.

Further Resources

• USDA PLANTS (2007-2010)
• Flora of North America Expertise Network
• Online Database of over 100 rainforest medicinal plants
• The Plant List
• IPNI (International Plant Names Index)
• NYBG Virtual Herbarium (New York Botanical Garden)