The Vanilla planifolia, better known as Vanilla, is a tropical orchid that captivates with its elegance and exceptional utility. Native to the humid regions of Mexico and Central America, this climbing plant thrives in warm, humid climates. Its long, green vines can reach several meters in length, clinging to trees and other supports with aerial roots. What’s more, its thick, bright green leaves and delicate flowers make it a particularly attractive plant.
Vanilla flowers, pale yellow or light green, give off a subtle fragrance. However, these flowers, which appear mainly in spring, require manual pollination in regions where its natural pollinators, such as honeybees, are absent. Once pollinated, the flower produces a green, elongated pod containing the famous vanilla seeds. This long, painstaking process gives rise to one of the world’s most prized aromas.
In the botanical garden of Au Bois Vert, located in Ivato near Antananarivo, Vanilla planifolia or Vanilla finds an environment conducive to its growth. Visitors to thehotel can discover this emblematic plant, which perfectly reflects the richness and diversity of tropical species. It also plays a decorative role, blending harmoniously with other plants in the botanical garden.
Thanks to its unique characteristics, vanilla attracts the attention not only of lovers of tropical gardens, but also of chefs and artisans who seek out this precious ingredient. Ultimately, this botanical treasure, carefully cultivated in places like Au Bois Vert, embodies a harmonious link between nature, culture and gastronomy.
Plant use
Vanilla planifolia is best known for its pods, used worldwide as a precious spice. After harvesting, the pods undergo a complex drying and fermentation process that releases their aromatic compounds, particularly vanillin. This process, which can take several months, transforms the green pods into glossy brown sticks with a rich and captivating fragrance. In cooking, vanilla is found in a wide range of preparations, from refined desserts like crème brûlée and ice cream to beverages such as infused rum. In the restaurants and hotels of Antananarivo and Ivato, this ingredient adds an exotic and sophisticated touch to dishes. However, its popularity goes beyond the culinary realm. Vanilla is also used in many cosmetic products and perfumes, thanks to its soothing properties and irresistible aroma. At the Au Bois Vert botanical garden, vanilla cultivation illustrates the importance of sustainability and the preservation of tropical plants. Visitors can learn about the various stages of vanilla production, from pollination to the transformation of the pods. This fascinating process highlights how this orchid symbolizes patience and craftsmanship. Finally, vanilla also plays a major economic role in many tropical regions, where its cultivation supports local development. By visiting the Au Bois Vert botanical garden, visitors discover not only the beauty of this plant but also its cultural and culinary significance around the world.
Key information
| Common name | Vanilla |
| Scientific name | Vanilla planifolia |
| Origin | Mexico, Central America |
| Natural habitat | Humid tropical forests |
| Life cycle | Perennial plant |
| Flowering period | Spring |
