Theobroma cacao
Cacaotero
An iconic tropical tree, the cacao tree produces pods that contain the cacao beans used to make chocolate.
Visible in the garden
's Species Profile
The source of chocolate: the cacao tree bears its fruit directly on the trunk. This is a surprising feature to observe during the visit.
Family:
Malváceas
Geographical origin:
Tropical America (Amazonas)
Size:
From 4 to 10 meters
Flowering:
All year round, with a peak from March to July
Habitat:
Rainforests and shaded areas
Class:
Magnoliopsida
Order:
Malvaux
A tropical tree with amazing fruit
The cacao tree is a tropical tree that produces its flowers and fruit directly on the trunk. This phenomenon is called a cauliflower. The small flowers form pods that contain cacao beans. These beans are used to make cacao and chocolate.
This species grows naturally in the shade of tall trees. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and rich soil. The cacao tree is an important plant in the agricultural history of the tropics. It also illustrates the diversity of useful plants found in tropical botanical gardens.
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