PlantaeIUCN LCIn Progress Recent Sighting
Theobroma cacao
Cacao Tree
L., 1753
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Small to medium-sized evergreen tree, famous for producing flowers and fruits directly from the trunk (cauliflory). The pods contain fat-rich seeds used for chocolate.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
Other Names (Global)
CacaoteroForastero
Cocoa treeChocolateTaxonomy
PhylumTracheophyta
ClassMagnoliopsida
OrderMalvales
FamilyMalvaceae
GenusTheobroma
Taxonomic AuthorityL., 1753
Ecology & Status
Origin
Native
Population Trend
Stable
Growth Habit
--
Leaf Type
--
Flowering Season
Year Round
Recent Sightings
Yes
Habitat Summary Multi-lang
Grows naturally in the understory of humid tropical rainforests. Requires shade, high humidity, and soils rich in organic matter.Light & Water Needs Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Behaviour Multi-lang
It is a shade plant that blooms continuously. Its pollination is very specific, carried out by small midges (ceratopogonids) attracted by the odorless flowers.Toxicity / Uses Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
400.0 - 800.0 cm
Reproductive Structures
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary Adaptations Multi-lang
Cauliflory: ability to flower on the old trunk to support the weight of heavy fruits.
Symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi to improve phosphorus absorption in tropical soils.
Main Threats Multi-lang
Fungal diseases such as moniliasis and witches' broom.
Climate change reducing areas with the necessary stable humidity and temperature.
Interesting Facts Multi-lang
The scientific name means 'food of the gods' in Greek.
Cacao seeds were used as currency by Mesoamerican civilizations.