Vanilla Plumier ex Miller is a pantropical genus of Orchidaceae with high global economic value. Vanilla planifolia Andrews, the main species used in commercial vanilla production, faces challenges including a narrow genetic base, susceptibility to pathogens, and vulnerability to climatic, ecological, and anthropogenic threats. These limitations highlight the need to cultivate alternative species. Brazilian species such as Vanilla chamissonis Klotzsch, Vanilla cribbiana Soto Arenas, and Vanilla phaeantha Rchb.f. produce aromatic fruits containing vanillin-related compounds, suggesting their potential for commercial use. However, their agronomic traits remain poorly understood, and accurate identification is hindered by the ephemeral nature of floral organs, limiting classification outside the reproductive phase. To address these gaps, we compared these three Brazilian species with V. planifolia. Our analysis revealed shared anatomical traits, including a uniseriate epidermis, mycorrhizae in roots, stem stomata, and collateral vascular bundles in leaves, as well as important differences. V. phaeantha showed unique exodermal wall thickening, suggesting intraspecific variation in defense traits. All species had a uniseriate, continuous, suberized endodermis in roots, with “U” shaped wall thickening in V. phaeantha and V. planifolia, and “O” shaped in V. chamissonis and V. cribbiana, the latter potentially offering greater resistance to fungal invasion. Documenting the anatomical diversity of Brazilian Vanilla species reveals functional adaptations and provides a foundation for future studies on their physiological and agricultural potential. These insights contribute to sustainable cultivation and conservation efforts and may expand the commercial use of Vanilla beyond V. planifolia.
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