Vanilla planifolia is a
species of
vanilla orchid. It is native to
Mexico, and is one of the primary sources for
vanilla flavouring, due to its high
vanillin content. Common names are
flat-leaved vanilla,
Tahitian vanilla, and
West Indian vanilla (also used for the Pompona vanilla,
V. pompona). Often, it is simply referred to as "the
vanilla". It was first scientifically named in 1808.