Achiote Bixa, Lipstick Tree

Common Names: Achiote, Annatto, Lipstick Tree

Achiote is a stunning tropical shrub that grows surprisingly well in Perth. It is famous for its bright pink flowers and spiked red seed pods. While it looks like an ornamental, it is actually a powerhouse for the kitchen. The seeds are used to make annatto, a natural food dye and spice.

Features:

Ideal prune height range: 2-4m

pH growing conditions: 5.5 to 7.0

Shade or full sun: Full sun; protect from frost in Perth

Minimum pot year 5: 45L pot

Time to fruit age: 2-3 years from seed

This plant loves the heat of a Perth summer and grows very quickly. It has large, heart-shaped leaves that give a lush, tropical feel to any yard. It is drought-tolerant once it is established but needs regular water to produce a big crop of seed pods. It can be grown as a hedge or a stand-alone feature tree.

Interesting Notes:

The red waxy coating on the seeds is used globally to colour cheese, butter, and rice. Indigenous groups have used it for centuries as body paint and lipstick, which is how it got its common name. The seeds have a mild, earthy, and peppery flavour that is essential for Mexican and Filipino cooking.

Limited stock. Pickup from Parkwood, WA. Delivery to Perth Metro only.

Keywords: Achiote, Bixa orellana, Annatto tree, Lipstick tree Perth, tropical spice tree, natural food dye plant