Scientific name: Bixa orellana

POWO Status: Shrub or Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 37.81″ N, 64° 49′ 26.50″ W

Medicinal Uses

Bixa orellana (Annatto/Achiote) is used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, and antidiabetic properties, with various parts (leaves, seeds, bark, root) treating fevers, skin issues, gastrointestinal problems (like dysentery, diarrhea), coughs, jaundice, hypertension, and even snakebites. Its rich bioactive compounds (like bixin, terpenes, and flavonoids) support wound healing, protect organs, and show potential for metabolic and cardiovascular health, though more clinical studies are needed. 

Common Medicinal Uses

• Fever (Antipyretic): Used for fevers, including as a febrifuge.
• Inflammation & Pain (Analgesic): Treats headaches, joint pain, bruises, and inflammation.
• Antimicrobial: Antibacterial, antifungal, and used against infections like gonorrhea.
• Antioxidant: Protects against cell damage due to its antioxidant compounds.
• Wound Healing: Applied to burns, sores, and skin rashes.
• Gastrointestinal: Helps with diarrhea, dysentery, and gastrointestinal pain.
• Respiratory: Used for bronchitis, coughs, and sore throats (as a gargle).
• Liver & Kidney: Traditionally used for jaundice and kidney infections (hepatoprotective, nephroprotective).
• Metabolic: Shows potential for diabetes (hypoglycemic) and high cholesterol.
• Cardiovascular: Exhibits hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) and antiplatelet effects. 

Other Uses & Properties

• Antivenom/Antidote: Used for snakebites and prussic acid poisoning.
• Insect Repellent: Functions as an insect repellent.
• Neuropharmacological: Shows anticonvulsant, neurodepressant, and potential Alzheimer’s-related (anti-AChE) activity. 

How It’s Used

• Leaves: Infused for teas, gargles, or applied topically.
• Seeds: Ground into pastes, made into syrups, or used to extract dye.
• Bark/Root: Decoctions used for fevers and other ailments.

Observations:

Phenological Markers – Achiote Tree (Bixa orellana)

1. Leaf Behavior
Achiote is evergreen to semi-deciduous, depending on rainfall and site conditions.

• Leaves are heart-shaped with a pointed tip, soft-textured, and light green to bronze when young.
• Leaf drop is usually minimal, but slight thinning may occur during the dry season (Jan–Mar) or under stress.

Observation Tips:

• Watch for new leaf flushes after early rains, typically in March–May.
• Note leaf color and shape consistency as identifiers.

2. Flowering
Produces clusters of pink to pale purple, hibiscus-like flowers, each lasting only a day.

• Flowering is highly ornamental and typically peaks just before or during the wet season (April–June).
• Flowers are 5-petaled and appear in terminal clusters, often blooming in waves.

Observation Tips:

• Document first bud appearance, peak bloom, and flower longevity.
• Track insect activity, particularly bees and butterflies.

3. Fruiting
Fruits are bristly, reddish capsules that split open when ripe, revealing dozens of small red seeds coated in annatto dye (bixin).

• Fruiting begins shortly after flowering, typically May–August, with capsules maturing and drying over several weeks.
• Seeds are collected for use in culinary coloring, body paint, and natural cosmetics.

Observation Tips:

• Monitor capsule development and ripening color changes.
• Record pod dehiscence and seed exposure, which occurs naturally as pods dry and split.
• Seeds may be harvested or scattered by birds.

4. Growth Habit
Achiote grows as a dense, upright shrub or small tree, usually 6–15 feet tall.

• It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, making it well suited for tropical gardens and ethnobotanical displays.

5. Seasonal Pattern (St. Croix)

• Jan–Mar: Light leaf thinning
• Apr–Jun: Flowering and new growth
• May–Aug: Fruit development and seed dispersal
• Sep–Dec: Full canopy, possible secondary flowering