Cacao Tree
Theobroma cacao
Theobroma cacao, commonly known as the cacao or cocoa tree, is a tropical evergreen species …
Maria's cacao (Theobroma mariae)
Theobroma mariae: Guide to the Wild Amazonian Cacao Relative
Growing under the shaded canopy of South American rainforests, Theobroma mariae represents an intriguing wild relative of the commercial cocoa tree. This species thrives in the humid lowlands of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and northern Brazil.
Local communities occasionally gather its fruits from the wild to use as a food source. Understanding its ecological role helps researchers preserve the genetic diversity of the broader Theobroma genus.
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 mariae (Maria's cacao)
Morphology
This evergreen understory tree typically grows to a modest height, adapted to the low-light conditions of the tropical forest floor. The foliage and reproductive structures exhibit several distinctive features:
- Leaves: The leaves are large, simple, and oblong-obovate, arranged alternately along the branches to maximize light interception.
- Flowers: Small, intricately structured flowers emerge directly from the trunk or older branches, a botanical phenomenon known as cauliflory.
- Fruit: The fruits are woody pods containing seeds embedded in a mucilaginous, edible pulp.
Applications
Although not commercially cultivated, the species serves local subsistence needs. The primary applications include:
- Edible Pulp: The sweet-acidic pulp surrounding the seeds is consumed fresh by local populations.
- Genetic Resource: Plant breeders study this species for potential pest resistance and environmental adaptability traits to improve commercial cacao crops.
Interesting facts
The botanical genus name, Theobroma, translates from Greek as "food of the gods," highlighting its close relationship to the chocolate-producing tree. Unlike its famous relative, Theobroma mariae remains largely uncultivated, surviving primarily in undisturbed primary forests.
Geography of distribution
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Peru
- Brazil
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- World Flora Online (WFO)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
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