Bixa orellana, commonly known as Achiote or Lipstick Tree, is a perennial shrub or small tree native to tropical regions of Central and South America, particularly in rainforests and other moist, well-drained soils. It typically reaches a height of 20-33 feet (6-10 meters) and is notable for its heart-shaped leaves and showy pink flowers. The flowers bloom throughout the year in its native habitat. After flowering, it produces spiky red-brown seed pods containing seeds covered in a red-orange pigment called annatto, which is widely used as a natural food coloring and in cosmetics.

Achiote is valued for its ease of cultivation and the commercial importance of annatto. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. In cultivation, it is used for its ornamental flowers and interesting seed pods, as well as for the annatto dye, which is significant in culinary, medicinal, and cultural practices. It is also planted as a hedge or shade tree in tropical and subtropical gardens. While generally pest-resistant, Achiote can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils and may be susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0