Contamana cacao (Theobroma cacao L. forma groupe contamana)

Scavina 6 SCA-6
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Theobroma cacao L. forma groupe contamana - SCA-6 Cacao

Thriving in the Peruvian Amazon near the town of Contamana, Theobroma cacao L. forma groupe contamana provides crucial genetic diversity for plant breeders. This unique group was identified during modern genetic studies which redefined the classification of the chocolate tree away from the traditional Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario categories.

Its discovery in the wild has provided crucial genetic resources for plant breeders worldwide. It is especially famous for its historical connection to the Scavina selections collected in the early 20th century.

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 cacao (Cacao Tree)
  • ∟ cultivar Theobroma cacao L. forma groupe contamana (Contamana cacao)

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Morphology

Trees belonging to the Contamana group display typical growth characteristics of Upper Amazon Forastero types. They possess vigorous branching and large, dark green leaves adapted to high-humidity forest understories.

Key morphological aspects include:

  • Pod shape: The pods are generally small to medium, often exhibiting a slightly wrinkled surface with moderate ridges.
  • Seed quality: The seeds are typically flat, containing a high amount of purple pigment in the cotyledons.
  • Disease resistance: A significant morphological and physiological feature is the plant's natural resistance to certain fungal pathogens.

Applications

The main application of the Contamana group lies in plant hybridization and genetic research. Breeders actively cross Contamana selections, particularly SCA-6, with other varieties to transfer resistance to devastating diseases like witches' broom.

In terms of flavor, beans harvested from mature Contamana trees offer a complex sensory profile. Once processed, they exhibit notable floral and dried fruit aromas similar to the prestigious Nacional cocoa.

Interesting facts

Historical records show the importance of this group in global agricultural science. Notable details include:

  • The Scavina legacy: The famous clone Scavina 6 (SCA-6) was collected in 1937 by researcher F. J. Pound from a farm in Peru.
  • Witches' broom resistance: It saved many cocoa plantations by providing genetic immunity to the fungus Crinipellis perniciosa.
  • Amazonian origin: Its name directly references the Peruvian city of Contamana, situated along the Ucayali River.

Geography of distribution

  • Peru
  • Ecuador

Sources

  • World Flora Online (WFO)
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
  • Motomayor et al. 2008 Research Study

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