| + | Bixa (S. American name). Bixaceae. A monotypic genus of tropical trees with large, entire !vs. and showy fls. in terminal panicles: Lvs. entire, long-petioled, dotted: sepals 5, distinct, imbricate, deciduous, alternating with exterior glands; petals 5. B. Orellana is cult, in the E. and W. Indies for the annatto dye prepared from the orange-red pulp that covers the seeds. It is the coloring matter chiefly used in butter and cheese. It is also used in dyeing silks, and preparing chocolate. |