Theobroma cacao
Cocoa tree
An iconic tropical tree, the cacao tree produces pods containing the cacao beans used to make chocolate.
Visible in the garden
's Species Profile
The cacao tree, the source of chocolate, bears its fruit directly on the trunk. This is a fascinating feature to observe during the tour.
Family:
Malvaceae
Geographical origin:
Tropical America (Amazon region)
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:
Malvales
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 cauliflory. The small flowers develop into pods containing cacao beans. These beans are used to make cocoa and chocolate.
This species grows naturally in the shade of large 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 exemplifies the diversity of useful plants found in tropical botanical gardens.
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