Guadeloupe Vanilla

Two types of vanilla to discover in the Garden

Vanilla belongs to the orchid family. At the Jardin de Valombreuse, this world-famous spice can be observed in its natural form through two different species: Vanilla planifolia and Vanilla pompona.

The former, Vanilla planifolia is currently the main species grown for vanilla production worldwide. Its long vines bear thick leaves and greenish-yellow flowers. After pollination, long green fruits appear. Its fragrance develops gradually after harvest, through a long process of preparation, drying, and curing.

Alongside it, Vanilla pompona has different characteristics. In the West Indies, it is commonly known as vanillon. Its leaves are broader and its fruits are generally shorter and thicker than those of Vanilla planifolia. Its aroma is also distinct from that of classic vanilla.

Delicate cultivation

Growing vanilla requires a great deal of patience. The flowers remain open only very briefly, and in cultivation, they must be pollinated by hand. Several months are then needed before the fruits can be harvested. In Guadeloupe, vanilla cultivation finds particularly favorable conditions in the humid areas of Basse-Terre, where the heat, humidity, and shade mimic its natural forest environment.

Observing both vanilla plants at the Jardin de Valombreuse reveals that behind a single spice lie several species of orchids. This botanical diversity echoes the many tropical orchids found in the Garden and highlights the richness of the aromatic plants grown in Guadeloupe.