This large shrub to small tree has an upright trunk intricate branching that forms a compact rounded crown. It has a dark green heart-shaped pointed leaves and the pink-white cup-shaped flowers appear in clusters during late summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Bixa orellanais naturally found in North America from Florida in to the West Indies and extending to central to southern America in the Amazon. It grows along forest margins and in rainforest in well drained humus rich fertile moist soils. It prefers an open sunny position and is frost and drought tender.

The Lipstick Tree is grown for its flowers, colourful fruit and is spreading habit. It is planted along garden borders for screening or can be trim to form a tall hedge. It is also train to form a small three in tropical gardens and establishes in 3 to 5 years and is long lived. The tree is planted on the coast or inland and in cool climates it is grown in containers and place in a conservatory or glasshouse. ID 3136

Note:
The red die that is derived from the fruit is a major source of body paint for the Indian tribes of tropical America and the die has also been commercially produced for the cosmetic industry, especially lipsticksand used for food colouring.

Bixa (BIK-sah) orellana (or-el-AH-nah)

Bixaceae(bik-AY-see-ee)