Theobroma microcarpum
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
An evergreen tree. The crown is small. It grows 10-20 m tall. The trunk is 20-30 cm across. The bark is grey, smooth and thin. The fruit hang down on the branches. They are oval to oblong and 12 cm long. They are yellowish-green when ripe.
Also put in the family Sterculaceae.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It suits areas with an annual average temperature between 20°-30° C and an average rainfall between 2,000-8,000 mm evenly distributed. It is best in rich soils and in light shade. In Colombia it grows between 100-120 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Amazon, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, South America, Venezuela
How it is used for food
The seeds are used for chocolate. The flesh of the fruit is eaten raw. It is also used for a drink.
It is sometimes cultivated.
Edible parts
Fruit, seeds
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from fresh seeds.
Its other names
Local names
Cacao de monte, Cacauarana