PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN ENInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Endangered — faces a very high risk of extinction if threats are not urgently addressed.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Vanilla planifolia
Vanilla Orchid / Flat-leaved Vanilla
Jacks. ex Andrews, 1808
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Vanilla planifolia is a succulent, perennial climbing orchid, world-renowned as the primary source of natural vanilla extract. It possesses cylindrical, green, fleshy stems that can reach over 30 meters in length, climbing toward the canopy via adventitious aerial roots. Its leaves are alternate, sessile, large, and leathery, with an elliptical-lanceolate shape that gives it its specific name (planifolia). The inflorescence is an axillary raceme producing short-lived flowers (less than 24 hours), pale greenish-yellow, waxy, and delicately fragrant. The fruit, mistakenly known as a 'bean', is technically an elongated fleshy capsule that, after a curing process, develops the aromatic compound vanillin. It is one of the few orchids in the world with a hemi-epiphytic growth habit, closely linked to the shade of mature wet forests.
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Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Liliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Asparagales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Orchidaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Vanilla
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Jacks. ex Andrews, 1808
Record Completeness
91%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
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Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It inhabits very wet tropical lowland rainforests, from sea level up to 600 meters (2,000 feet) in altitude. It prefers microclimates with constant high humidity, warm temperatures, and filtered sunlight (50-60% shade). It is a hemi-epiphytic plant: it begins its life in the soil but its stems seek tree trunks to climb. In Costa Rica, it is found wild in the Caribbean and South Pacific lowlands, although natural populations are rare and under protection.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It exhibits a highly specialized pollination relationship. In nature, it depends almost exclusively on bees of the Euglossini tribe (orchid bees) and the Melipona genus. Without these pollinators, sexual reproductive success is nearly zero, explaining its rarity in the wild. Its fruits are consumed by birds and bats, who disperse the microscopic seeds.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1000.0 - 3000.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Hemi-epiphytic Habit and Dual Roots: Vanilla develops two types of roots: terrestrial ones that absorb soil nutrients and adventitious aerial ones that act as anchoring organs and atmospheric moisture absorbers. This duality allows it to survive in the understory and climb toward higher light levels without losing contact with soil nutrients.
Succulent Stems with Water Storage: Its fleshy stems and leaves function as water reservoirs, allowing it to tolerate short periods of water stress in the forest's epiphytic environment.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Over-collection and Low Genetic Diversity: Because most commercial crops are propagated by cuttings (clones), the species has an extreme vulnerability to fungal diseases like Fusarium. Additionally, illegal collection of wild individuals threatens natural sources of genetic diversity.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The Discovery of Manual Pollination: Outside its natural habitat, vanilla did not produce fruit until 1841, when Edmond Albius, a 12-year-old slave on Reunion Island, discovered the manual pollination method using a bamboo sliver, a technique still used worldwide today.
The One-Day Orchid: Each vanilla flower opens at dawn and must be pollinated before noon; otherwise, it withers and falls without producing fruit.