Annatto, Lipstick Tree

Bixa orellana

Annatto trees are a lovely ornamental small-medium sized evergreen tree from South America, growing to a maximum of about 8 meters tall and 4 meters wide. Not cold tolerant, they can survive short bursts of above freezing, but do better if always above 15C.

Also known as Lipstick Tree for its seeds being used as an effective skin colorant, it is used more today in foods for its coloring attributes. Most popular amongst its culinary uses are that of Achiote Paste, a spiced paste form Central and South America, and as a food dye coloring many of the common foods we eat today. Perhaps most well-known for cheddar cheeses orange color.

Aside from its culinary uses, it is also a spectacular ornamental plant, and really comes to live with its pink flowers followed by clusters or bright red fruit. A real show in the mid through late winter months in the tropics!

Kada's Gardens' Annatto seeds are harvested between January and March (annual variations). For the freshest seeds, please contact us prior to these months to reserve seed orders as we do not store seeds of this species for later sale. We can supply approximately 50-100kg seeds per year. Live plant sales available for preorder within Taiwan.