Theobroma velutinum
Benoist
Velvety tropical tree
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Sébastien SANT, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Sébastien SANT
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Sébastien SANT, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Sébastien SANT
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Sébastien SANT, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Sébastien SANT
Description
An evergreen tree of the Malvaceae family growing 10 m tall in tropical rainforests, often along rivers and in the understory of hot, moist lowland tropics.
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 for chocolate. The flesh 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 grows as an under-storey plants in the rainforest. It is often along rivers. It suits the hot, moist lowland tropics.
Where It Grows
Brazil, French Guiana, Guianas, South America, Suriname,
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.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Bouchi-cacao
References (2)
- Fern, K., 2012, Tropical Species Database http://theferns.info/tropical/
- Grandtner, M. M. & Chevrette, J., 2013, Dictionary of Trees, Volume 2: South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Academic Press p 663
