Vanilla planifolia is a tropical climbing orchid known for producing the popular flavoring vanilla. Native to Mexico, this plant thrives in warm, humid environments and can grow up to 30 meters long. Its long, green stems and beautiful, creamy flowers are not only visually appealing but also essential for the vanilla bean production process. To harvest vanilla, the flowers must be pollinated, usually by hand, as the natural pollinators are limited outside of their native habitat. After pollination, the green pods develop and are harvested, then cured to develop their rich flavor. This labor-intensive process makes vanilla one of the most sought-after and expensive spices in the world.