Sheffield's Seed Company

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Growing Info

Scarification: Soak in water, let stand in water for 24 hours

Stratification: none required

Germination: sow seed 1/4" deep, tamp the soil, mulch the seed bed

Native to: Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Peru

Native

Introduced

Bixa orellanaBixa orellana

Achiote, Annatto, Lipstick Tree, Lipsticktree

In Stock: 3.145 lb (Total:3.145lb)

Bixa orellana

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Buying options

3.15 lb

Details

Germination:

91%

Germination test:

Cut (Full Seed)

Purity:

99%

Seeds per lb:

16,138

Quantity:

3.15 lb

Collected in:

India

Crop year:

2021

Min. hardiness zone:

Item ID:

1831135

Characteristics

Growing Info

Scarification: Soak in water, let stand in water for 24 hours

Stratification: none required

Germination: sow seed 1/4" deep, tamp the soil, mulch the seed bed

Transform your garden with the vibrant allure of Bixa orellana, commonly known as Lipstick Tree, Achiote, or Annatto. Native to the tropical Americas and thriving in zones 10-12, this broadleaf evergreen is a striking ornamental choice, reaching heights and spreads of 6-12 feet. It flourishes best in full sun with medium water and low maintenance requirements, making it an excellent hedge candidate.

Renowned for its ornamental beauty, Lipstick Tree features evergreen, ovate leaves and charming pink flowers that bloom seasonally in 2-inch terminal branched panicles. After flowering, it produces showy, bristly fruit capsules that transition from reddish-brown to bright red. These capsules open to reveal seeds coated in an orange pulp, the source of a tasteless dye used traditionally by Indigenous peoples for body paint, insect repellent, and various other applications. Even today, its dye is widely used in the food industry to impart a vibrant yellow hue to products like chorizo, cheese, and rice.

In addition to its ornamental and practical uses, Lipstick Tree holds cultural significance, being used in cosmetics and hair dyes. This versatile plant, free from serious pests and diseases, can also be utilized in dried floral arrangements, offering year-round interest with its distinctive spiny fruits. Add a touch of tropical extravagance to your garden with Bixa orellana and explore its myriad benefits for both visual appeal and utility.