Cacao Tree
Theobroma cacao
Theobroma cacao, commonly known as the cacao or cocoa tree, is a tropical evergreen species …
Forest cacao (Theobroma nemorale)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Theobroma nemorale: Wild Cacao Species of Colombia's Rainforests
Flourishing in the exceptionally wet understory of Colombia's Pacific lowlands, Theobroma nemorale occupies a unique ecological niche among wild cacao relatives. This shrub or small tree is typically found in primary rainforests with extremely high annual rainfall. It remains relatively rare and is primarily studied for its botanical and evolutionary characteristics.
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 nemorale (Forest cacao)
Morphology
This species typically grows as a small tree or large understory shrub in wet environments. The leaves are ovate-elliptic, simple, and alternate, with distinct pinnate venation. Flowers are small and develop on short inflorescences along the branches, showcasing the typical cauliflorous or ramiflorous habit of the genus.
Its fruits are small-to-medium pods containing seeds embedded in pulp, though detailed fruit biology is scarce in current literature.
Applications
This species is mainly of interest to botanists researching the evolutionary history and diversity of the genus Theobroma. Its genetic material could potentially be valuable for crop improvement, offering insights into adaptation to extremely wet, waterlogged soils. It has no current commercial or agricultural uses.
Interesting facts
- The species was first scientifically described by the renowned Spanish-American botanist José Cuatrecasas in 1952.
- Its specific name nemorale refers to its woodland or forest habitat, coming from the Latin word for sylvan.
- The holotype specimen was collected at a low altitude of 20 to 40 meters along the Río Calima in Colombia.
Geography of distribution
- Colombia
Sources
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