Did you know | The real Sindoor comes from a tree? This Sidnoori tree (Bixa orellana) is a low-height tree and finds mentioned in our scriptures. Seeds from the tree are crushed to make fine powder which is the original sindoor believed to be used by Sitajee and also Hanumanjee when they were in the forest.

Saplings of this tree are available in government nurseries during the rains. Try and plant this tree this rainy season. Probably, u will be able to gift real sindoor to your friends/relatives. The synthetic sindoor in use is toxic. The natural sindoor is food-grade and has many healing uses in the Ayurvedic system.

The sindoor plant, also known as the lipstick tree or annatto, is a tropical evergreen tree that is native to South and Central America. It is grown for its vibrant red seeds, which are used as a dye in many cultures, as well as for its medicinal properties. Bixa Orellana/Sinduri grows well in full sunlight. It requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight. Prefer a spot that receives morning sunlight as in hard summers the afternoon heat might burn the leaves.

Bixa orellana is a perennial, tall shrub that can reach 6–10 m (20–33 ft) high. It bears clusters of 5 cm (2 in) bright white or pink flowers, resembling single wild roses, that appear at the tips of the branches. The fruits of the Bixa orellana are globular, ovoid capsules arranged in clusters resembling spiky-looking red-brown seed pods covered in soft spines. Each capsule, or pod, contains 30–45 cone-shaped seeds covered in a thin waxy blood-red aril. When fully mature, the pod dries, hardens, and splits open, thereby exposing the seeds.

The shrub is most well known as the source of the red-orange annatto pigment. The pigment is derived from the pericarp (the waxy aril layer that covers the seeds) of the Bixa orellana fruit. The red-orange annatto dye is rich in carotenoid pigments, 80% which consists of bixin (the red pigment) and norbixin or orelline (the yellow pigment). Annatto oil contains tocotrienols, beta-carotene, essential oils, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, flavonoids, and vitamin C.

Cultivation

Bixa orellana grows easily in subtropical to tropical climates, in frost-free regions sheltered from cool winds It prefers year-round moisture, good drainage, and moderately fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. It can be propagated from seed and cuttings. Cutting-grown plants flower at a younger age than seedlings.

The main commercial producers of B. orellana are countries in Latin America (specifically Peru, Brazil, and Mexico), which constitute 60% of total world production followed by Africa (27% of total world production) and Asia (12% of total world production). Production statistics are not usually available and would not provide a reliable guide to international trade, since many of the producing countries use significant quantities domestically (e.g., Brazil is a large producer and consumer, needing additional imports). Annual world production of dried annatto seed at the beginning of the 21st century was estimated at about 10,000 tons, of which 7,000 tons enter international trade. Peru is the largest exporter of annatto seed, annually about 4,000 tons; Brazil is the largest producer, with about 5,000 tons. Kenya exports annually about 1,500 tons annatto seed and extracts and is the second-largest exporter, after Peru. Côte d'Ivoire and Angola are also exporters

Growing a sindoor plant at home is relatively easy, as long as you provide it with the right growing conditions. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose the right location: The sindoor plant thrives in warm, humid climates, so it's best to keep it indoors in cooler regions. Place the plant in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.

2. Planting: You can grow the sindoor plant from seeds or cuttings. If you choose to plant from seeds, soak them in water for a few hours before sowing them in well-draining soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist. If you are using cuttings, dip them in rooting hormone before planting them in a pot with well-draining soil.

3. Watering: Sindoor plant likes to be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

4. Fertilizing: The sindoor plant is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization to grow well. Feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

5. Pruning: Sindoor plant can grow up to 20 feet tall, but can be pruned to maintain a more manageable size. Prune the plant in early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and trim back any branches that have grown too long.

6. Pests and Diseases: The sindoor plant is generally pest-free, but can be affected by mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Check the plant regularly for signs of infestation, such as yellowing leaves or sticky residue on the leaves. Treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Sindoor plants can also be affected by root rot, which is caused by overwatering. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.

With the right care, your sindoor plant can grow into a beautiful and vibrant addition to your indoor garden. Enjoy the stunning red seeds and the many benefits they provide!