Vanilla

(văn-il'lah.) [Sp.] (Bot.) A (16th cent.) 59 5R Their leaves are oblong, somewhat succulent, cordate at the base, and articulated with the stem; and their flowers are thick fleshy and dull-colored, the sepals and petals being nearly equal spreading, and the lip entire, attached to the column, and bearded. The fruit is linear - oblong and fleshy. The climbing habit of this genus is sufficient to distinguish it from most others. The fruit of several species is largely employed by confectioners to flavor chocolates, creams, and liqueurs, under the name by Fig. 663.-VANILLA PLAN I FOLIA. which it is botanically known. The best Vanilla is the produce of V. plan i folia (Fig. 663), a native of Mexico; but several other South American species are also used. [s. 1]