Mountain cacao (Theobroma gileri)

Mountain Cocoa
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Theobroma gileri: Guide to the Mountain Cocoa

Hailing from the pre-montane and lowland rainforests of Colombia and Ecuador, Theobroma gileri thrives as a wild relative of the commercial chocolate tree. Local populations sometimes refer to this species as the mountain cocoa due to its native altitudinal distribution. It grows under the shade of taller forest canopies, requiring high humidity.

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 gileri (Mountain cacao)

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Morphology

This evergreen tree displays large, simple, alternate leaves with prominent venation. The flowers of Theobroma gileri emerge directly from the mature trunk or older branches in a phenomenon known as cauliflory. These small blossoms feature five distinct petals and specialized staminodes that attract small pollinating midges.

Its woody fruits contain multiple seeds embedded in a mucilaginous pulp. The pods are typically ribbed and turn yellow or brown as they mature.

Interesting facts

Unlike cultivated cacao, Theobroma gileri has adapted to cooler, higher-altitude forest zones in the Andes. Its cauliflorous flowering pattern allows ground-dwelling insects easy access to the blossoms. Geneticists study this species to find traits that could help breed disease resistance in commercial cacao crops.

Geography of distribution

  • Ecuador
  • Colombia

Sources

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

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