BIXA ORELLANA, Lipstick Tree, Annatto, Achiote

Leaves are pretty and heart shaped. Trees start blooming when small. The flowers are lavender to pale pink and not very showy. They usually last only one day, but continue to bloom during late summer and fall. The pastel flowers are followed by red flamboyant, prickly fruit (pictured). This is a nice compact shrub that will provide winter color. The fruits are filled with seeds which are used as a natural food colorant and also can be used as a dye for clothing. The entire plant is also known to be used as medicine in some countries.

FAMILY : Bixaceae
ORIGIN : Tropical America
TYPE/USES : small evergreen tree or shrub
SIZE : up to 10'
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS : full sun
WATER REQUIREMENTS : average
MIN. TEMP. : low 30's
FLOWER : later summer, fall. red pods in winter