Bixa orellana – Lipstick Tree – Annatto – Achiote (4″ pot)

Description 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 fruit that resembles lychee or even strawberries from a distance! 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 MATURE SIZE: up to 10′ LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: full sun WATER REQUIREMENTS: average MIN. TEMP. : low 30’s for short periods FLOWER: later summer, fall. red pods in winter