Bixa orellana

Annatto

Shrub or small tree usually up to 3 m high with large pink flowers, native to Central America. The seeds are surrounded with a thin coating of waxy pulp that is used for the production of bixin, a common colouring matter added to foods and drugs. The seed meal is seldom used as a protein feed, but it is an effective substance for giving colour to poultry meat and eggs when mixed with poultry feeds.