Annatto / Bixa orellana

HEIGHT 10–33 ft (3–10 m)
TYPE Evergreen
OCCURRENCE Tropical South America, S.E. Asia

Historically used for making body paint and fabric dye, this bushy tree is now used mainly as a food colorant for dairy products. BARK Pale to dark brown, later fissured. LEAF Alternate, in spirals, ovate, with a heartshaped to blunt base. FLOWER Large terminal panicles, 5–7 obovate petals, usually pinkish. FRUIT Flattened, ellipsoidal capsule, with bristles, bright red when mature.