Bixa
plant genus
Quick Summary
The genus Bixa refers to a type of tree native to the tropical regions of the Americas. These trees are characterized by their heart-shaped leaves, large pink flowers, and spiny capsules. The capsules contain seeds that yield a reddish or yellowish powder known as annatto. This annatto dye has historically been used to color foods like butter and cheese, and also by Indigenous peoples to paint their faces. The genus Bixa is the sole member of the family Bixaceae.123
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