Hylaean Cacao (Theobroma hylaeum)

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Theobroma hylaeum: Botany and Distribution of the Rainforest Cacao Relative

Inhabiting the low-altitude rainforests of Panama and Colombia, Theobroma hylaeum grows under the dense canopy of wet tropical environments. The species was first collected in the wet forests of Villa Arteaga, Colombia, at an altitude of 200 meters. It remains a subject of study for its evolutionary relationship with commercial cacao.

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 hylaeum (Hylaean Cacao)

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Morphology

This evergreen understory tree develops large, coriaceous leaves with a distinct obovate or elliptic shape. The blossoms of Theobroma hylaeum are small and form in clusters along the older branches. Each flower consists of five petals and a structured androecium typical of the genus Theobroma.

Its fruit is a woody, elongated pod that houses seeds surrounded by a fleshy pulp. The seeds lack dormancy, which is a common characteristic of tropical forest species.

Interesting facts

The holotype specimen of Theobroma hylaeum was collected in 1948 in the heavy wet forests of Villa Arteaga, Colombia. Due to its adaptation to extremely wet conditions, this species is valuable for comparative genetic studies. Researchers analyze its genome to understand the ecological adaptations of the genus Theobroma.

Geography of distribution

  • Panama
  • Colombia

Sources

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

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