Cacao Tree
Theobroma cacao
Theobroma cacao, commonly known as the cacao or cocoa tree, is a tropical evergreen species …
Choco cacao (Theobroma chocoense)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Theobroma chocoense: Wild Cocoa Relative from the Chocó Rain Forests
Inhabiting the exceptionally wet rainforests of western Colombia, Theobroma chocoense grows as a rare wild relative of the commercial cocoa tree. This species thrives in one of the most biodiverse and humid regions on Earth. It is of great interest to botanists studying plant adaptation in hyper-humid environments.
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 chocoense (Choco cacao)
Morphology
This understory tree exhibits characteristics typical of species adapted to heavy rainfall and low light. It reaches a moderate height, featuring a slender trunk and spreading branches. The leaves are large, coriaceous, and designed to shed water efficiently in the humid canopy.
Notable reproductive features include:
- Flowers that develop on the branches, exhibiting complex petals with specialized ligules.
- Elongated, woody pods containing seeds enveloped in a moist pulp.
- A root system adapted to waterlogged or highly leached tropical soils.
Applications
The species serves as a valuable resource for genetic research and plant breeding. Scientists analyze its potential to transfer resistance traits to commercial cocoa varieties against devastating fungal diseases. It also plays a role in supporting the local forest ecosystem as a food source for native fauna.
Interesting facts
The specific epithet chocoense refers to the Chocó biogeographic region of Colombia, which receives some of the highest rainfall in the world. Due to its restricted natural habitat, the species is highly susceptible to deforestation and habitat fragmentation in the Colombian lowlands.
Geography of distribution
- Colombia
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO): Kew Science database of vascular plants.
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Open-access biodiversity data portal.
- World Flora Online (WFO): Collaborative online database of the world's wild plants.
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