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Our research group has pioneered the work on somatic embryogenesis of Bixa orellana (annatto), and since then we have directed efforts in understanding several aspects of this morphogenic pathway in annatto. Here, we present a synthetic description of such works, emphasizing anatomical analyzes and the characterization of the cellular alterations that occur in the process, and the association of the SERK gene expression and somatic embryogenesis. These results are unprecedented and contribute to a better understanding of the processes involving somatic embryogenesis in the species. Advances in this area will facilitate the improvement of the mass propagation, genetic manipulation of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway, and the overall breeding perspectives of the genus.