Theobroma cacao
Cocoa tree
An iconic tropical tree, the cacao tree produces the pods containing the cocoa beans used to make chocolate.
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The origin of chocolate, the cocoa tree produces its fruits directly on the trunk. An astonishing feature to observe during the visit.
Famille :
Malvaceae
Origine géographique :
Tropical America (Amazon)
Taille :
4 to 10 meters
Floraison :
All year round with a peak from March to July
Habitat :
Tropical rainforests and shaded areas
Classe :
Magnoliopsida
Ordre :
Malvaux
A tropical tree with Amazing fruits
The cacao tree is a tropical tree that produces its flowers and fruits directly on the trunk. This phenomenon is called Cauliflorie. The small flowers form pods containing cocoa beans. These seeds are used to make cocoa and chocolate.
This species grows naturally in the shade of tall trees. It enjoys heat, humidity, and rich soils. Cocoa is an important plant in the agricultural history of the tropics. It also illustrates the diversity of useful plants found in tropical botanical gardens.
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