Cacao Tree
Theobroma cacao
Theobroma cacao, commonly known as the cacao or cocoa tree, is a tropical evergreen species …
Obovate-leaved Cacao (Theobroma obovatum)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Theobroma obovatum: The Small Wild Cacao of the Amazon Basin
Thriving beneath the dense canopy of South American rainforests, Theobroma obovatum grows as a compact understory tree. Native to regions spanning Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Brazil, it remains mostly wild and undisturbed by modern agricultural systems. Local inhabitants occasionally gather its sweet fruits directly from the forest floor.
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 obovatum (Obovate-leaved Cacao)
Morphology
This diminutive member of the mallow family rarely grows tall, typically reaching a maximum height of 5 meters. Its morphology is adapted to low-light conditions:
- Obovate leaves that are broader near the tip, helping capture filtered sunlight.
- A compact growth habit suitable for the lower forest strata.
- Small, sweet-fleshed ellipsoid fruits containing seeds nested in edible pulp.
Applications
The primary use of this wild tree is for its sweet, edible fruit pulp, which is consumed locally as a fresh treat. While the seeds are related to cultivated cacao, they are not typically harvested for commercial chocolate production. The plant serves as an important food source for forest wildlife.
Interesting facts
German botanist Johann Friedrich Klotzsch and Swiss botanist Gustav Bernoulli first described this species in 1871. It occurs exclusively in lowland forests at elevations below 1,000 meters, making it highly adapted to warm, humid tropical climates. Its genetic traits are of interest to researchers studying crop resilience in the genus Theobroma.
Geography of distribution
- Colombia
- Venezuela
- Peru
- Guyana
- Brazil
Sources
- POWO: Plants of the World Online (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)
- GBIF: Global Biodiversity Information Facility
- WFO: World Flora Online
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