Vanilla Plant (Trilisa odoratissima)

At a glance

Lifecycle: Perennial (hardy)
Exposure: Full sun

Cultivation

Grows well in any moderately good light soil.

Propagation

Seed - sow in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.

Edible uses

The leaves are used as a flavouring. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal uses

The leaves are demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic and tonic. The leaves are high in coumarins and have been experimentally effective in the treatment of high-protein oedema. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity.

Material uses

The dried leaves contain coumarin and have a scent like newly mown hay. They can be used as a condiment.

Habitat

Low pinelands.

Native range

South-eastern N. America - North Carolina to Florida, west to Missouri.