Bixa orellana

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Bixa orellana, also known as the Lipstick Tree or Annatto, is a bushy shrub or small tree native to South America. It features large leaves and charming pink flowers, but its most notable feature is its seeds. These seeds contain a natural pigment called annatto, ranging from yellow to deep orange-red, which is widely used in cosmetics, particularly lipstick, for its vibrant colors. In culinary arts, annatto serves as a popular spice in Latin American, Caribbean, and Filipino cuisines, adding a mild, slightly peppery flavor and a rich yellow-orange color to dishes like rice and stews. Beyond its culinary and cosmetic uses, annatto seeds are also valued for their medicinal properties, offering antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. The dried seed pods of the Bixa plant are also used in flower arrangements, adding a unique visual element. When used as a hedge or screen, Bixa should be pruned often to encourage bush growth at the bottom of the trunk.