Vanilla originated in Mexico, where the Aztecs used it to soften the bitterness of chocolate. There were many European attempts to cultivate the pods outside of its native region. Louis XIV fell in love with it and wanted to cultivate it on Bourbon Island, in Réunion. But all attempts under his reign failed. No one knew how to fertilize vanilla outside its native range. Europeans were unaware that the Mexican bee Melipona was responsible for pollination. Indeed, thanks to it, the orchid produces a long, green fruit commonly known as the vanilla pod.

Gourmet and suave, Melipona is a fragrance that opens elegantly with woody and vanilla notes and gives way to oriental and amber notes in the base.

Top notes: Bourbon vanilla
Heart notes: Cashmere wood, amber
Base notes: Crystal amber, musks, vanilla sugar
Perfumer: Serge De Oliveira, Robertet