ESSENCES 



149 



Fig. 148, I. — Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia, Orchid Family, Orchidacece.) 

 Flowering branch, reducerj in size, showing leaves and air-roots. ^1, lip 

 of the flower, and along its back the "column" formed of style and 

 stamens grown together. B, C, column, ,side view and front view, show- 

 ing anthers (a) and rudimentary .stamen (s). D, top of column, cut 

 lengthwise through anthers. E, seed, much enlarged. (Berg and 

 Schmidt.) A tall, climbing herb attaching itself to trees by means of 

 air-roots; leaves thick; flowers yellow; fruit a pod ripening in two years, 

 16-30 cm. long, 7-10 mm. thick. Native home, Mexico. 



