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'''The vanilla orchid is native only to Mexico and relies on a rare black Mexican bee to pollinate naturally. In 1841, a French owned 12-year old slave on Île Bourbon (now Réunion Island) discovered how to hand-pollinate vanilla orchids. Shortly thereafter vanilla plantations were introduced and became commonplace on the island of Madagascar.'''
[[File:Madagascar_Vanilla_001.jpg|600px|none|thumb|Premium quality Bourbon Vanilla from [[Antalaha]]]]
The type of vanilla grown on Madagascar and in most other locations is ''Vanilla planifolia'', also known as Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla. About 97% of the world's real vanilla comes from Madagascar. However, an estimated 95% of all vanilla products contains artificial vanilla. The best quality Bourbon Vanilla, also called Black Vanilla, is produced primarily around [[Antalaha]], [[Sambava]], [[Vohemar]] and [[Andapa]] in the northwest of Madagascar.