Vanilla is a type of orchid that belongs to the genus Vanilla. The plant is native to Mexico and Central America, and is now grown in many other parts of the world, including Kodagu. The plant grows as a vine, and can climb up to 30 feet in height. The flowers are white or yellow, and are pollinated by hand in most commercial vanilla cultivation. The fruit is a long, narrow pod that contains the seeds used to produce the vanilla spice.