Theobroma cacao aka Cocoa

Theobroma cacao is the cacao tree, also called cocoa. It belongs to the mallow family, Malvaceae. Its native range runs from Costa Rica into tropical South America. It grows beneath taller trees in warm, wet rainforests. These sites do not tend to flood with the seasons. Growers raise cacao across the tropics for its seeds. The Maya and Aztecs once used these seeds as money.

This small tree keeps most or all of its leaves. Its crown is rounded, with a short main trunk. Garden trees reach about 26–30 feet [8–9.14 metres] tall. Their spread can reach 30 feet [9.14 metres]. Rare trees reach 66 feet [20 metres]. Plants stay much smaller in cool climates. The long, oval leaves are dark green with clear veins. Growth proceeds at a medium pace. Trees may take 10–20 years to reach full size.

Small white flowers have a pink calyx at their base. They grow in groups on the trunk and older branches. Flowers may appear in any month in suitable conditions. Trees can start to flower at three or four years. Small insects, including midges, help pollinate them. Large, egg-shaped pods turn yellow to orange as they ripen. Each pod holds 20–60 seeds. Fruiting may start at about five years. Crops peak near ten years of age. Trees can live for a century, but fruit for less time.

Cacao needs steady warmth, high humidity, and shelter from cold. Partial shade suits it, though some sources also list full sun. Use sandy or loamy soil that drains well. Slightly acid soil with added rotted organic matter suits cultivation. The RHS also lists neutral soil as suitable. In Britain, it needs a heated greenhouse throughout the year. Keep temperatures around 18–32°C and protect it below 12°C. Feed every two weeks during growth. Prune container trees once or twice yearly to limit height.

The leaves and bright pods give tropical gardens year-round interest. Fermented, dried, and roasted seeds supply cocoa and chocolate. The seeds also yield cocoa butter; the white flesh is edible. Other uses include fibre, wood, soap, and skin products. Chocolate can trigger allergies or migraines in some people. Mealybugs, aphids, scale, mites, and fungus gnats may attack plants. Capsid bugs and borers can also cause harm. Fungal threats include phytophthora, anthracnose, and several pod rots. Other reported diseases include witches' broom, canker, and swollen shoot.