Cacao Tree

Theodroma cacao

The Cacao tree is an evergreen tree which can live for up to 100 years but will only provide fruit for about 25-30 years.  These trees are relatively small in size growing to a height of between  4-8 metres. They produce lots of flowers that are male and female, however, cannot self pollinate and needs pollen from another flower or the same tree to bear fruits. Hand pollination is possible,
and they start bearing at 3 years depending on climate and maintenance.

The seeds of the Cacao tree is used in the production of cacao powder and chocolate. These seed pods can grow out of the trees trunk and branches with many of them developing from the pinkish-white flowers. These pods grow to about 30 centimetres with a diameter of about 7cm.

Growing cacao is a very hard and labour intensive task as caring for and harvesting the pods requires close and constant attention. The pods start off green and over a total of several months ripen to a yellow-orange colour. Within each egg shaped pod you will find about 20-40 cocoa beans which are covered in a sweet white pulp.

Temperatures of 18-32°C are ideal for cacao trees, and they do not bear fruit at temperatures below 20°C

Scroll down for planting information: Please not imported tropical plants maybe small in size.