Theobroma glaucum

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

Theobroma glaucum is an evergreen tree growing up to 15 m in height and 30 cm in bole diameter. It is commonly found in northern part of South America particularly in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. The seeds are a source of cacao and also contain oil, starch, and protein. The fruit pulp can be made into a drink. Medicinally, it can be used as an emollient, and for angina, high blood pressure, chapped skin and burns, and bruises. Seed oil is also used for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Theobroma glaucum is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects, Wind. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 12

Where it is found

The lower tree storey of evergreen rainforests. Found from the lower level of the great rivers up to elevations of 450 metres in forested hills.

Northern S. America - Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, South America,

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

The seeds are a source of a cacao that is said to be of good quality. The seeds of species in this genus are generally a rich source of oil (around 50%), starch (around 15%) and protein (around 15%). They also contain a volatile oil and the stimulating alkaloids caffeine and theobromine. Fruit - raw. The pulp is sucked out of the fruit, or it is used to make a refreshing drink. The pale orange pulp has a very sweet flavour.

Oil: Oil

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Drink: not including plant saps, tea or coffee substitutes.

Medicine

Rating: 3

Although no specific reports of medicinal use have been seen for this plant, the seed is a source of cacao powder and butter. These products have the following medicinal uses: Cacao powder and butter, which are obtained from the seed, are nutritive. The butter is also applied externally as an emollient. Cacao powder is taken internally in the treatment of angina and high blood pressure. Cacao butter is an excellent emollient, being applied to the skin to soothe and soften it. It is used traditionally to treat chapped skin and burns, and is also rubbed into bruises. Research has shown that it can help to counter the bacteria responsible for boils and septicaemia.

Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.

Cardiac: Used in the treatment of heart problems.

Emollient: Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.

Hypotensive: Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating: 2

Other Uses: An oil, known as cacao butter, which is solid at room temperature, is obtained from the seed. In addition to being used locally as a food and medicine, cacao butter is important in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

Cosmetic: Used to improve the physical appearence of a person.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

How it is grown

A plant of the hot, moist, lowland tropics. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 20 - 30°c, tolerating 16 - 40°c. It requires a mean annual rainfall within the range 2,000 - 8,000mm, evenly distributed throughout the year. Grows best in the dappled shade of other trees. Prefers a relatively rich, circumneutral soil. The plant is not drought tolerant, being unable to withstand even short dry seasons without the protection of dense shade and local humidity.

Propagating it: Seed - it has a very short viability, requiring high humidity and optimum temperatures to remain viable. There is no dormancy, the seed often germinating whilst still inside the pod.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Medium

Soil: Medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Theobroma calodesmis Diels