Theobroma cacao
Cocoa tree
An iconic tropical tree, the cacao tree produces pods containing the cocoa beans used to make chocolate.
Visible in the garden
's Species Profile
The cocoa tree, from which chocolate originates, bears its fruit directly on the trunk. This is a fascinating sight to see during the tour.
Family:
Malvaceae
Geographical origin:
Tropical America (Amazon)
Size:
4 to 10 meters
Flowering:
All year round, with a peak from March to July
Habitat:
Tropical rainforests and shaded areas
Class:
Dicots
Order:
Malvaux
A tropical tree with amazing fruits
The cacao tree is a tropical tree that produces its flowers and fruits directly on the trunk. This phenomenon is called cauliflory. The small flowers form pods containing cacao beans. These beans are used to make cocoa and chocolate.
This species grows naturally in the shade of tall trees. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and rich soil. Cocoa is an important plant in the agricultural history of the tropics. It also highlights the diversity of useful plants found in tropical botanical gardens.
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