White-flowered Cacao (Theobroma albiflora)

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Theobroma albiflora (Herrania albiflora): Botanical Overview

Native to the humid tropical forests of Central and South America, Theobroma albiflora stands as a fascinating link between the genera Theobroma and Herrania. First described in the 19th century, this species highlights the complex taxonomic history of the group. It grows primarily in wet, lowland primary forests under dense shade.

Taxonomy

  • ∟ царство Plantae
  • ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
  • ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • ∟ Angiosperms
  • ∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
  • ∟ eudicots
  • ∟ Superrosids
  • ∟ rosids
  • ∟ malvids
  • ∟ order Malvales
  • ∟ family Malvaceae
  • ∟ subfamily Byttnerioideae
  • ∟ genus Theobroma (Cacao trees)
  • ∟ species Theobroma albiflora (White-flowered Cacao)

Living Pulse

Powered by iNaturalist

Morphology

This plant exhibits the classic growth habit of the genus Herrania, often resembling a small palm. Its botanical structure is defined by the following characteristics:

  • Stems: The plant grows as a slender, unbranched treelet, usually reaching only a few meters in height.
  • Leaves: Unlike true cacao trees, it features large, palmately compound leaves clustered at the top of the stem.
  • Flowers: White or cream-colored flowers are produced in clusters directly on the trunk, displaying long, delicate, ribbon-like petals.
  • Fruits: The ovoid fruits are strongly ribbed and covered in fine, irritating hairs, containing seeds embedded in a mucilaginous pulp.

Interesting facts

The species was originally described by French botanist Justin Goudot in 1844 under the name Herrania albiflora. It was later moved to the genus Theobroma as Theobroma albiflorum by Émile Auguste Joseph De Wildeman in 1902. The species is highly valued in taxonomic studies for illustrating the morphological transition between the two closely related genera.

Geography of distribution

  • Colombia
  • Panama

Sources

  • POWO: Plants of the World Online (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)
  • GBIF: Global Biodiversity Information Facility
  • Tropicos: Missouri Botanical Garden
  • WFO: World Flora Online

Смотрите также

Cacao Tree

Cacao Tree

Theobroma cacao

Theobroma cacao, commonly known as the cacao or cocoa tree, is a tropical evergreen species …

Read more →
Cupuaçu

Cupuaçu

Theobroma grandiflorum

A tropical rainforest tree related to cacao, native to the Amazon basin. It is widely …

Read more →
Mocambo tree

Mocambo tree

Theobroma bicolor

Theobroma bicolor, commonly known as the mocambo or jaguar tree, is a wild and cultivated …

Read more →