Bixa orellana

Description:

Seeds about 4mm long and 4mm wide. Red-browinish color. Contained in a fruits with hair-like extenssions. Picture taken with estereoscopic microscope.

Habitat:

This species is cultivated and grows naturally in south México, Yucatán Peninsula. It has been used for long time, since maya prehispanic culture as condiment for food and according to some ancient documents for body painting, mural painting, and other uses. It is used for "cochinita pibil" flavor and color in modern times.

Notes:

common names: lip-stick tree, achiote (in spanish)