PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. 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)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
CacaoteroForastero
Cocoa treeChocolateTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Malvales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Malvaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Theobroma
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.L., 1753
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Grows naturally in the understory of humid tropical rainforests. Requires shade, high humidity, and soils rich in organic matter.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. 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 / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
400.0 - 800.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. 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 ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Fungal diseases such as moniliasis and witches' broom.
Climate change reducing areas with the necessary stable humidity and temperature.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The scientific name means 'food of the gods' in Greek.
Cacao seeds were used as currency by Mesoamerican civilizations.