The vanilla plant is a tropical climbing orchid known scientifically as Vanilla planifolia. It is native to regions like Mexico and Central America, where it thrives in warm, humid climates. The plant produces long, green pods that contain tiny seeds, which are harvested and processed to create vanilla extract. To grow vanilla, the plant requires a support structure, such as a tree or trellis, to climb. The flowers of the vanilla plant are delicate and bloom for only one day, requiring hand pollination in many regions outside its native habitat. After pollination, the pods take several months to mature before they can be harvested.