Cacao Tree
Theobroma cacao
Theobroma cacao, commonly known as the cacao or cocoa tree, is a tropical evergreen species …
Cirmolina's Cacao (Theobroma cirmolinae)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Theobroma cirmolinae: Rare Wild Cocoa Relative of Colombia
Endemic to the wet montane rainforests of Colombia, this rare wild relative of cacao belongs to the diverse Malvaceae family. Theobroma cirmolinae is primarily found at mid-elevations along the slopes of the Western Cordillera. First documented in the mid-20th century, it remains a species of interest for evolutionary and botanical research.
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 cirmolinae (Cirmolina's Cacao)
Morphology
Characteristic features include the woody growth habit typical of the genus Theobroma. The plant grows in the understory and lower canopy of dense rainforests, where high year-round humidity prevails.
The botanical description associates the species with the tribe Theobromateae in the subfamily Byttnerioideae.
- Elevation range: found at elevations from 900 to 1,180 meters above sea level.
- Habitat: montane tropical rainforests of the Western Cordillera.
Interesting facts
The type specimen (holotype) of this species was collected on August 19, 1943, by the renowned Spanish botanist José Cuatrecasas. He discovered it during his botanical expeditions in the western Cordillera of Colombia, specifically in the valley of Río Gígua at Piedra de Moler, at altitudes ranging from 900 to 1,180 meters.
Geography of distribution
- Colombia
Sources
- World Flora Online (WFO)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
- Tropicos.org
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