Anchiote Tree (Annatto) 25G

Achiote Tree (Annatto) in 25-Gallon Pot available in Jupiter, FL

Colorful, cultural, and culinary—the Achiote Tree (Bixa orellana), also known as Annatto or Lipstick Tree, is a tropical shrub-to-small-tree that brings spice, symbolism, and ornamental flair to South Florida gardens. Native to Central and South America, Achiote is famed for its spiky red pods filled with bright orange-red seeds, used to color and flavor dishes across Latin America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Its vibrant pink flowers and unique form make it a stunning edible ornamental.

In a 25-gallon pot, this plant is well on its way to being a lush, fruiting centerpiece in your garden, food forest, or cultural landscape.

Care & Growing Info (Optimized for South Florida):

• Sunlight: Full sun preferred—needs 6–8+ hours daily for best flowering and pod production.

• Watering: Moderate. Water deeply once or twice a week depending on rainfall. Tolerates short dry spells once established.

• Soil: Thrives in well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Add compost or organic matter for richer growth. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal.

• Fertilizer: Use a balanced organic fertilizer 2–3 times per year. Benefit from micronutrients like phosphorus and magnesium.

• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy form with broad green leaves and clusters of ornamental pink flowers. In a 25-gallon pot, expect 5–7 feet tall; in-ground it can reach 10–15 feet.

• Temperature: Best in USDA Zones 10–11. Loves warmth and humidity. Not frost-tolerant—protect young plants during cold snaps.

• Maintenance: Low. Prune after harvest to encourage fullness. Very few pest issues.

Fruit Notes:
The real treasure is inside the spiky red seed pods—bright orange-red annatto seeds. These seeds are traditionally dried and used to make culinary colorant, spice rubs, and natural dye. Harvest typically occurs in late summer to fall once pods dry and open.

Medicinal & Nutritional Benefits:
Annatto has been used for centuries in indigenous medicine and modern natural health:

• Rich in carotenoids, especially bixin—an antioxidant that supports skin and eye health

• Traditionally used for wound healing, digestive support, and as a natural anti-inflammatory

• Seeds can be steeped in oil or water to create medicinal or culinary extracts

Ideal For:

• Edible landscaping with color and flair

• Cultural or ethnobotanical gardens

• Gardeners seeking dual-use plants (ornamental + culinary)

• Natural dye makers and spice enthusiasts

• Pollinator-friendly designs with tropical flowers

Plant Classification:

• Scientific Name: Bixa orellana

• Plant Type: Tropical spice tree / shrub

• Family: Bixaceae

• Class: Dicot

• Growth Form: Broadleaf evergreen perennial

  • Evergreen: Keeps leaves year-round in warm climates

  • Perennial: Lives and produces season after season

  • Broadleaf: Large, heart-shaped leaves with a soft texture and visual appeal

• Container Size: 25-gallon pot

Jupiter Farms & Nursery