Family: Bixaceae

Achiote is a small tree. The flowers produce fuzzy pods (they are usually red, but there is also a yellow form). When dry, the pods split open to reveal red seeds. The red powder covering the seeds is an intense red dye. Dry flower arrangers and wreath makers prize the pods. Use achiote seeds to make Spanish rice, red coloring, or dye lips, leather, and feathers. Medicinal uses include remedies for sunburn, dysentery, and malaria.

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Cultural significance
• Edible
• Medicinal
• Specimen

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized outside native range (e.g., Galapagos, Pacific Islands)
  
• Thrives in tropical/subtropical climates
  
• Widely introduced and cultivated
  
• Bird-dispersed seeds
  
• Persistent seed bank (>1 year)
  
• Tolerates diverse soil types
  
• Early reproduction (2 years)
  
• Requires disturbance/full sun

Low Risk Traits:

• Minor weed impact only
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not allelopathic, parasitic, or toxic
  
• Not a major pest host
  
• No vegetative reproduction
  
• Not unintentionally dispersed
  
• Susceptible to herbicides