Orchid family

Vanilla is widely used in food, beverages and cosmetics. It is produced from the beans of Vanilla planifolia Andrews, a member of the orchid family (Orchi-daceae). The plant originates from Mexico where it was already used when the Spaniards arrived. Now it is cultured in various tropical countries, such as Madagascar, Indonesia, Uganda, Comoro, Tahiti, Papua Guinea, India and Mexico. Each of these growth sites yields vanilla with different flavour characteristics. 

VANILLIN. Vanillin, [CAS 121-35-5]. CgHgCL, a natural product, can be found as a glucoside (ghicovanillin) in vanilla beans, at concentrations of about 2%. It can be extracted with water, alcohol, or other organic solvents. Approximately 250 by-products have been identified m natural vanilla, out of which 26 are present at levels in excess of 1 ppm. The balance of all these products contributes to the subtle taste of vanilla beans, The vanilla bean contains about 2% vanillin, but the 10% extract prepared from beans has several times lire strength of a solution of 2% vanillin. The best known natural source of vanillin is the vanilla plant, Vanilla planifolia A., which belongs to the orchid family. It is cultivated mainly in Mexico, Madagascar, Reunion, Java, and Tahiti. 

VI. Order Orchidales.—Orchidacea or Orchid Family.—Perennial herbs of terrestrial or terrestrial saprophytic or epiphytic growth,... 

The vaniUa plant is a member of the orchid family and thrives under tropical conditions. There are many species of Vanilla, but Vanilla planffolia (or V.fragrans) is considered to produce the best flavor. The vaniUa plant grows like a vine, which can attain a length of 100 feet. Its... 

Representatives of the orchid family Colchis flora - terrestrial perennial herbaceous plants in height from 20 to 100 cm, with underground storage organs, often very decorative. 

Natural scents are exclusive products, used for the most highly-priced perfijmes. The largest market of perfumes - particularly in the poor developing countries - is based on synthetic materials. Natural scents are mostly derived from flower plants, evolved to be recognized by pollinating insects. The orchids (flower plants in the monocotyledonous family Orchidaceae, which make about 10% of all flower plants) are highly rated for scents, particularly the woody scent afforded by a sesquiterpenoid, caryophyll-5-en-2a-ol. 

Extrafloral nectaries (Fig. 2.1) are probably the most frequently described adaptations believed to serve as indirect defenses. They have been described in approximately 1000 species from 93 plant families including numerous dicotyledonous species, ferns, and such diverse monocotyledonous taxa as lilies, orchids, sedges, and grasses (Koptur, 1992). They are found in virtually all plant types including herbs, vines, shrubs and trees, annuals as well as perennials, and successional as well as climax species. 

The composites can almost compete with the orchids for the title of the largest family of flowering plants. They are found worldwide and in almost all habitats and have economic importance as a source of foods (e.g., lettuce, artichokes), insecticides (pyrclhrum), dyes (safflower), folk medicines, and many ornamentals. 

The orchids currently are considered to be the largest family of flowering plants. Both Willis and Mabberley cite about 17,000 species other authorities put the number in the neighborhood of 30,000. Except for their horticultural value, only one genus, Vanilla, yields an important product. 

The uses of vanillin in international perfumery are many. In aldehydic perfumes, vanillin provides the powdery impression given by the background smell, usually up to 2% in the perfume concentrate. In fruity notes, vanillin enhances the various fruity constituents (0.1—0.5% in pears up to 2% in peaches) for instance, a peach note is not fully peach without vanillin. When vanillin is combined with some floral notes, such as heliotrope and orchid, which actually contain strong vanilla impressions, amounts of 2—5% are possible. However, with notes such as rose, orange flower, and jonquil, the addition of 0.1—2% vanillin can bring warmth and elegance. In woody families such as fougiire and chypre, and also in spicy perfumes, the harsh impression also needs the fine, smooth aroma provided by vanillin traces. 

The presence of alkaloids in three of thirty-three species of orchids had long been demonstrated (36), but the first and to date only isolation and definite characterization of an alkaloid in this family was from the Chinese drug Chin-Shi-Hu which seems to be derived from D. moniliforme Sw. although other species such as D. monile Lindl. and D. macraei Lindl. may also be concerned. 

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