Achiote also called Annatto (Bixa orellana) is a small tree native to the tropical region of Southern America. Achiote is widely cultivated for its fruit seeds where a natural colorant is derived. Aside from the commercial value of achiote as a source of annatto colorant, achiote has long been used by the natives of Southern America as dye for food and textile, as decorative body paint, in spiritual ceremonies and rituals and as an herbal medicine.