Annatto, Achiote, Lipstick Tree

This small tree or shrub, with bright red fruits covered withprickles is well known for its dye properties. Annatto has been used by local populations to dye faces, use as lipstick, and add color to foods. It is used by modern industry as a yellow or orange dye in many foods. The flower is about 2" across. delicate pink, with showy stamens. Inside each seed pod are about 50 seeds, which when mashed, produce an intense, red-orange dye.