Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Malvales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
cacao
ID:
459108

Status:
valid

Authors:
L.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1753

Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 782 (1753)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000458440



Common Names

  • Cacao Theobroma
  • Cocoa Theobroma
  • Chocolate Theobroma


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Synonyms

  • Theobroma sphaerocarpum A.Chev. [unknown]
  • Theobroma leiocarpum Bernoulli [unknown]
  • Theobroma sapidum Pittier [unknown]
  • Theobroma salzmanniana Bernoulli [unknown]
  • Theobroma cacao leiocarpum (Bernoulli) Ducke [unknown]
  • Theobroma cacao leiocarpum (Bernoulli) Cuatrec. in J.F.Macbr. [unknown]
  • Theobroma cacao leiocarpum (Bernoulli) Cif. [unknown]
  • Theobroma cacao sphaerocarpum (A.Chev.) Cuatrec. [unknown]
  • Cacao minar Gaertn. [unknown]
  • Cacao sativa Aubl. [unknown]
  • Cacao theobroma Tussac [unknown]
  • Theobroma sativum (Aubl.) Lign. & Bey [unknown]
  • Theobroma kalagua De Wild. [unknown]
  • Theobroma cacao cacao [unknown]
  • Theobroma pentagonum Bernoulli [unknown]
  • Cacao minus Gaertn. [unknown]
  • Theobroma integerrimum Stokes [unknown]
  • Theobroma saltzmanniana Bernoulli [unknown]
  • Theobroma sativa (Aubl.) Lign. & Bey [unknown]
  • Theobroma sativa leucosperma A.Chev. [unknown]
  • Theobroma sativa melanosperma A.Chev. [unknown]
  • Theobroma cacao sativa (Aubl.) León [unknown]
  • Theobroma cacao pentagonum (Bernoulli) León [unknown]

Description

Theobroma cacao (also called Cocoa, Cacao, and Chocolate, among many other common names) is a species of tree in the family Malvaceae. It is found in Central America and South America. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.

Uses & Benefits

Theobroma cacao is used to make chocolate and cocoa powder. It is also used in traditional medicines and as a stimulant.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Theobroma cacao has small, white flowers with five petals and yellow stamens. The seeds are large, dark brown and oval-shaped. The seedlings have oval-shaped leaves with a pointed tip.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Theobroma cacao is a perennial plant that can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to -5°C. It can be propagated by division in the spring or by cuttings taken in the summer.

Where to Find Theobroma cacao

Theobroma cacao can be found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.

Theobroma cacao FAQ

What is the scientific name of Theobroma cacao?

Theobroma cacao

What is the common name of Theobroma cacao?

Cacao

Where is Theobroma cacao found?

Theobroma cacao is found in Central and South America.

Species in the Malvaceae family

Abelmoschus angulosus, Abelmoschus caillei, Abelmoschus crinitus, Abelmoschus esculentus, Abelmoschus ficulneus, Abelmoschus hostilis, Abelmoschus magnificus, Abelmoschus manihot, Abelmoschus moschatus, Abelmoschus muliensis, Abelmoschus sagittifolius, Abelmoschus enbeepeegearensis, Abroma augustum, Abutilon abutiloides, Abutilon affine, Abutilon alii, Abutilon amplum, Abutilon andrewsianum, Abutilon andrieuxii, Abutilon anglosomaliae, Abutilon angulatum, Abutilon anodoides, Abutilon appendiculatum, Abutilon arenarium, Abutilon arequipense, Abutilon auritum, Abutilon austroafricanum, Abutilon badium, Abutilon balansae, Abutilon bastardioides, Abutilon benedictum, Abutilon berlandieri, Abutilon bidentatum, Abutilon bracteosum, Abutilon buchii, Abutilon burandtii, Abutilon bussei, Abutilon californicum, Abutilon calliphyllum, Abutilon carinatum, Abutilon coahuilae, Abutilon commutatum, Abutilon cryptopetalum, Abutilon cuspidatum, Abutilon densiflorum, Abutilon dinteri, Abutilon dispermum, Abutilon divaricatum, Abutilon dugesii, Abutilon durandoi,

References