Theobroma bernoullii
Pittier
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(c) Riley Fortier, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Riley Fortier
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(c) cristinavaldiviesod, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Description
An evergreen tropical tree growing 15–20 m tall with a trunk up to 25 cm across. It is found in evergreen rainforest, including lowland swamps near sea level up to about 100 m elevation, and requires continuous rain and dense shade in warm climates with high rainfall.
Edible Uses
Several species of Theobroma produce edible seeds, notably cacao, cupuaçu, and mocambo. Cacao is commercially valued as the source of cocoa and chocolate. Theobroma species are used as food plants by the larvae of some moths of the genus Endoclita, including E. chalybeatus, E. damor, E. hosei and E. sericeus. The larvae of another moth, Hypercompe muzina, feed exclusively on Theobroma cacao. An active ingredient of cacao, theobromine, is named for the genus.
Traditional Uses
The seeds can be used to make chocolate. The pulp around the fruit can be eaten or used for a drink.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
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.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows in evergreen rainforest. It can be in lowland swamps near the sea. It grows up to about 100 m above sea level. It is best where annual daytime temperatures are 20°-30°C and a rainfall between 2,000-8,000 mm. It needs continuous rain and dense shade.
Where It Grows
Central America, Colombia, Panama, South America,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown from fresh seeds.
Propagation
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.
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. The heartwood is dark brown, the sapwood very thin and light brown. The wood is straight and close grained, taking a fairly good polish. It is used in the building of native houses.
References (2)
- Fern, K., 2012, Tropical Species Database http://theferns.info/tropical/
- Roa, J. A. G. & Boada, D. S. G., 2018, Fundación para el Fortalecimiento de la Fruticultura y Plantas Alimenticias no Convencionales en Colombia.
