Theobroma cirmolinae
Cuatrec.
gbif· cc-by-nc
Field Museum of Natural History - Botany Department | GDI 2013-2015
gbif· cc-by-nc
Field Museum of Natural History - Botany Department | GDI 2013-2015
gbif· cc-by-nc
Field Museum of Natural History - Botany Department | GDI 2013-2015
Description
An evergreen tree growing 20 m tall with a trunk up to 40 cm across, found as an understory plant in tropical rainforests between 800–1,300 m elevation. It thrives in hot, moist lowland tropics with temperatures of 20°–30°C and rainfall between 2,000–8,000 mm.
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 of the fruit can be eaten raw or used for drinks.
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 is an under-storey plants in the rainforest. It grows between 800-1,300 m above sea level. It suits the hot, moist lowland tropics. It suits areas with an annual average temperature between 20°-30° C and a rainfall between 2,000-8,000 mm evenly distributed.
Where It Grows
Andes, Colombia, 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. This species grows at higher elevations than any other member of the genus. It should be tried as a grafting base, especially in the coldest zone of cacao production.
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.
