Vanilla mexicana, commonly known as Mexican Vanilla, is a perennial vine native to tropical forests in Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America. It can grow to a height of 15-45 feet (5-14 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), often climbing trees or other supports with its fleshy aerial roots. The vine produces clusters of greenish-yellow orchid flowers that are mildly fragrant and bloom in succession. The flowers are not particularly showy but are of great importance as they give rise to the highly valued vanilla pods after pollination.

Mexican Vanilla is cultivated for its seed pods, which are cured and used as a flavoring agent in a wide variety of culinary dishes. It is also grown as an ornamental vine in tropical and subtropical gardens, where it can be trained on trellises or allowed to climb trees. This vine prefers a warm, humid environment with filtered light or part shade, consistent moisture, and well-draining soil rich in organic matter. While it is not drought-tolerant, it is also sensitive to waterlogged conditions. In cultivation outside its native range, it is important to mimic its natural habitat to ensure successful growth.CC BY-SA 4.0