Bixa Orellana
Arnotta plant. This plant is a native of South
America, but has been introduced and cultivated both in the West
and East Indies. It bears bunches of pink-colored flowers, which
are followed by oblong bristled pods. The seeds are thinly coated
with red, waxy
pulp, which is separated by stirring them in water
until it is detached, when it is strained off and evaporated to
the consistence of putty, when it is made up into rolls; in this
condition it is known as flag or roll arnotta, but when thoroughly
dried it is made into cakes and sold as cake arnotta. It is much
used by the South American Caribs and other tribes of Indians for
painting their bodies, paint being almost their only article of
clothing. As a commercial article it is mainly used as a coloring
for cheese, butter, and inferior chocolates, to all of which it
gives the required tinge without imparting any unpleasant flavor
or unwholesome quality. It is also used in imparting rich orange
and gold-colored tints to various kinds of varnishes.
Previous: Bignonia Echinata
Next: Blighia Sapida
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