Monday, August 29, 2011

Bixa orellana - Lipstick tree




Thank you readers, for identifying this tree! I wonder what led to its common name - the lipstick tree! Perhaps the fact that the seeds of this tree are used to obtain a yellow orange dye, which is used as a colorant in foods - rice and cheddar cheese.





7 comments:

Flora said...

Hey what fun! No idea! But will hazard a guess at Bixa orellana, the lipstick tree, although I thought that had redder fruits.

Nic said...

I would say Bixa orellana as well; it looks like the one I have potted up on my parents' terrace. This one is bigger than any I have ever seen, though.

Green thumb said...

This is indeed Bixa orellana or the Lipstick tree. Here's the link http://www.flowersofindia.in/catalog/slides/Lipstick%20Tree.htm

radha said...

That is a new tree.. glad you had it identified!

A. said...

thank you all.
Mel, yes i've seen some of the trees have reddish fruits as well

Anonymous said...

It's same with rambutan fruit

Anonymous said...

Could anyone please tell me if they have seen the lipstick tree in Chennai? Thank you