Obovate chocolate tree
Theobroma obovatum

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 8 m tall. The branches are slender. The leaves are dark and thickly papery. Fruit are produced on the ends of the branches. The fruit are round and 5-11 cm long by 3-8 cm wide They have an irregular thick leathery skin. There are about 15 seeds. The pulp is sweet.

Also put in the family Byttneriaceae and the family Sterculiaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in the understorey of the forest. It is along the banks of rivers and streams. It grows in the lowlands and up to 400 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Bolivia (country/location of origin), Brazil (country/location of origin), Colombia (country/location of origin), Guyana, Peru (country/location of origin), South America, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The sweet pulp around the seeds is eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit pulp

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Cabeca de urubu, Cacahuillo, Cacao del monte, Cacau, Cacaurana, Chocolatilla macho, Copoazu pequeno, Cupuarana, Cupui, Mauirruda, Sacha cacao, Ushpa cacao

Synonyms

Theobroma sylvestre Huber non Mart.;