Bixa orellana
Bixa orellana (Annatto, Arnato, Chinese Dye Tree, Lipstick Tree, Monkey Turmeric, Roucou, Saffron Tree) is a ornamental tree species sourced from Indian natural stands, suited for reforestation, agroforestry, and social forestry.
| Botanical Synonyms | Bixa arborea |
| Common Names | Annatto, Arnato, Chinese Dye Tree, Lipstick Tree, Monkey Turmeric, Roucou, Saffron Tree |
| Plant Form | Ornamental Tree |
| Seeds per kg (approx.) | 40000 - 60000 |
| Collection Period | Dec - Feb |
| Germination | 50 - 70% |
| Seed Longevity | 1-2 years |
| Seed Treatment | Seeds soaked in water for six days. |
Growing & Establishment
Tree seeds vary widely in their germination requirements. Many Indian hardwood species benefit from pre-sowing treatment — soaking for 12–24 hours, mechanical scarification, or brief hot water treatment to break seed coat dormancy. Polybag nursery raising is the standard method for most plantation species in India. Field transplanting is best timed to coincide with the onset of the monsoon for maximum survival.
Use in India
India's National Afforestation Programme, state forest departments, and private agroforestry initiatives use millions of tree seedlings annually for reforestation, social forestry, and watershed restoration. Native tree species are preferred for ecological projects, carbon sequestration, and farm forestry under national agroforestry schemes.
SeedsCart has supplied tree seeds to nurseries, forest departments, NGOs, plantation companies, and agroforestry projects across India for over 30 years. Seeds are collected from certified natural stands, germination-tested before dispatch, and available in bulk quantities for institutional and commercial buyers.
