An ancient spice and natural food dye of the Indigenous people of the Americas, the attractive Achiote is a natural choice for tropical and subtropical gardens. The exact origins of the Achiote tree are unclear, though plants have long been cultivated throughout the tropics of the Americas before spreading to areas such as the Philippines where they have become beloved. The Achiote Tree is widely known for the natural food dye extracted from the arils of the seeds of the dry pods, a condiment known as Annatto, commonly used as a natural food dye but also in cosmetics such as Lipsticks, for which the tree has received the common name, the Lipstick Tree. The ground seeds are commonly used as a seasoning throughout the Tropical Americas and South East Asia where Achiote grows easily, imparting a strong red colour and a slight Peppery, paprika flavour. Achiote can be used to provide rice a bright, natural colour, similar to Saffron and Turmeric. Simple to cultivate and quick to bear, the multi-purposed Achiote is now cultivated pantropically, from Brazil to Kenya, to the Phillipines. Suitable for most Tropical and Subtropical climates, Achiote tolerates a wide range of soil PH and soil types although displaying a preference for slightly acid, fertile soils. With reasonable drainage, full sun and moderate-high rainfall across the year, the Achiote will thrive and can begin flowering within two years and heavily within four. In addition to its multi-purpose nature, the Achiote offers a unique, showy appearance to a landscape. The broad, heart-shaped leaves contrast attractively against charming, star-shaped pink leaves, which bloom prominently on terminal growth and are similar in appearance to those of the Ceylon Hill Gooseberry. Flowering across the year, from these ornamental flowers are formed the valuable, bright red seed pods which are covered in bristly, short hairs. Seeds are then extracted from the dry brown pods. Achiote mature to a small size with plants easily kept to 2m, which combined with their compact form and productivity make them ideal for space-conscious gardeners. With its compact size, productivity and range of uses, the Achiote is a superb multi-purpose, tropical tree.
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