Cacao Tree
Theobroma cacao
Theobroma cacao, commonly known as the cacao or cocoa tree, is a tropical evergreen species …
Round-fruited Cacao (Theobroma sphaerocarpum)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Theobroma sphaerocarpum: The Spherical-Fruited Wild Cacao
Inhabiting the humid tropical forests of South America, Theobroma sphaerocarpum is a notable wild relative of the commercial chocolate tree. It is distinguished primarily by the shape of its fruit pods.
This species contributes to the rich biodiversity of the Amazon basin. It represents an important resource for understanding the evolutionary history of the 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 sphaerocarpum (Round-fruited Cacao)
Morphology
The botanical identification of this species relies on several distinct morphological characteristics:
- Fruit: Unlike the typical elongated pods of commercial cacao, this species bears distinctly spherical, rounded woody pods.
- Leaves: Large, alternate, and simple leaves form a dense canopy to capture filtered sunlight under the forest canopy.
- Flowers: Small, cauliflorous blossoms grow directly on the bark of the trunk and major branches.
Applications
While the tree is not cultivated on a commercial scale, it holds value in specific areas:
- Genetic Diversity: It serves as a gene pool reservoir for breeders working to improve disease resistance in commercial cacao cultivars.
- Habitat Conservation: As a native understory species, it supports local forest food webs by feeding native insects and small mammals.
Interesting facts
The specific epithet sphaerocarpum is derived from Greek words meaning "spherical fruit," which serves as the easiest way to tell this species apart from other wild cacaos. Its round pods protect seeds containing bitter compounds similar to those found in domestic cocoa beans.
Geography of distribution
- Brazil
- Peru
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- World Flora Online (WFO)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
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