Cacao Tree
Theobroma cacao
Theobroma cacao, commonly known as the cacao or cocoa tree, is a tropical evergreen species …
Beautiful-bundle cacao (Theobroma calodesme)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Theobroma calodesme: Rare Forest Tree of the Andes and Chocó
Inhabiting the extremely wet tropical forests of the Chocó region and the western Amazon, Theobroma calodesme remains one of the lesser-known members of its genus. This understory tree relies on constant high humidity and warm temperatures to survive. It forms a vital component of pristine South American rain forest ecosystems.
Due to its specialized habitat requirements, it is rarely found outside undisturbed primary forests. Its presence is an indicator of healthy, mature forest structures.
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 calodesme (Beautiful-bundle cacao)
Morphology
This evergreen tree displays a typical forest architecture, reaching a height of about 6 to 12 meters under the canopy. The leaves are large, simple, alternate, and have a distinct texture with prominent veins. They are supported by sturdy petioles that attach to young branches.
Small, complex flowers appear in clusters on the trunk and primary branches, showing dark red or purple tones. The resulting fruits are woody pods containing seeds enveloped in a fibrous, pulpy layer.
Applications
While not commercially cultivated, the tree is sometimes used by local communities for its wood or wild fruits. The pulp surrounding the seeds is edible, though less abundant than in cultivated relatives. Its primary value lies in forest conservation and maintaining genetic diversity within the genus.
Interesting facts
The cauliflorous flowering habit allows the tree to attract ground-dwelling and low-flying insects for pollination. The species is highly adapted to hyper-humid zones where annual rainfall can exceed several meters.
Geography of distribution
- Colombia
- Ecuador
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- World Flora Online (WFO)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
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