Flowering behaviour of vanilla

Abstract

THE vines of Vanilla planifolia Andrews will climb to heights of 60 ft. or more, if provided with a sufficiently tall support plant. The vine must therefore be trained to a height convenient for pollination and harvesting in the commercial production of vanilla. The prevention of the natural tendency to climb is thought to enhance the production of flowers1. It is believed that flowering will not occur as long as the vine can climb upward2-7. Childers3 suggests that "bending of vine appears to be an important factor in causing it to flower and fruit beyond the bend, which may be due to an accumulation of carbohydrates and possibly other flower-forming materials in this region of the vine". © 1961 Nature Publishing Group.