The vanilla orchid, scientifically known as *Vanilla planifolia*, is a species of orchid native to Mexico and Central America. It is most famous for producing vanilla beans, which are harvested and cured to extract the flavor commonly used in baking, perfumery, and aromatherapy. The plant itself has a vine-like growth habit, climbing up trees and other supports with its aerial roots. It features greenish-yellow flowers that only open for a short period, often just a day.
The scent of vanilla orchid flowers is subtle and slightly sweet, contrasting with the rich, warm, and creamy aroma of the processed vanilla beans. Raw vanilla pods have a fresh, floral fragrance with gentle woody notes, which through the curing process, develop into the more familiar deep, sweet, and slightly spicy scent of vanilla. This rich olfactory profile makes vanilla highly valued in scent compositions, particularly in gourmand and oriental fragrances, providing comforting, soft undertones that evoke a sense of warmth and indulgence.