THE CUBA REVIEW 



Wild Vanilla. (Tho vine above and at the left is the Vanilla \'ine.i 



THE VANILLA BEAN IN EASTERN CUBA 



By Alvm Fox, Horticulturist on Tropical Plints 



The vanilla orchid is indigenous to the hot regions of Eastern Cuba and other tropical 

 countries where it is grown. The plant, which is rather fleshy and has large green inodorous 

 flowers, grows in the moist and shady forests, climbing the trees by means of its aerial roots. 



The orchid is found wild in the forests around the oriente of Cuba, clinging to [the trees 

 and brushes for support. In the months of November and December when the pods ripen, 

 the Cuban natives go out into the forests to gather them. 



