Sindur (BixaOreliama)

Bixa Oreliama (also called Lipstick tree), is native to tropical America, but widely cultivated throughout the tropical world, since long back. This plant is a profusely fruiting shrub, reaching upto 20 feet tall and age up to about 50 years. Flowers are white or pink, with five petals and a dense mass of stamens in the center. Fruit is 2-valved, ovoid, red, spiny, 2.5-5 cm long; seeds many, ovate, with a scarlet covering. It flowers in  October to November period.

Sindur is an essential part of Indian culture. Its seeds are processed to obtain red or orange pigments as dye for the food and cosmetic industries.