Vanilla planifolia
Vanilla planifolia, commonly known as vanilla, is a fragrant orchid native to Mexico. Renowned for producing the world's most coveted spice, its cured beans offer a complex, sweet aroma. Beyond culinary uses, this medicinal plant possesses antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making it a valuable component in traditional wellness practices.
- Scientific name: Vanilla planifolia
- Family: Orchidaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Vanilla planifolia, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Asparagales. Ultimately, it is a member of the Orchidaceae family within the genus Vanilla.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asparagales | WCVP |
| Family | Orchidaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Vanilla | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several tropical regions. In West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found within the DR Congo and around the Gulf of Guinea Islands. Its presence extends into the Western Indian Ocean, specifically reaching the Comoros. Additionally, the species is located in the Mauritius island region. Finally, its range includes the remote Chagos Archipelago.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gulf of Guinea Is. | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Chagos Archipelago | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Comoros | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Mauritius | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Madagascar | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Réunion | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Seychelles | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Malesia | Jawa | WCVP |
Chemicals
Vanilla planifolia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include vanillin.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| vanillin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Vanilla planifolia has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Enterococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, neuroblastoma.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Enterococcus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Streptococcus mutans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| neuroblastoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |