
Theobroma cacao - Wikipedia
Theobroma cacao (cacao tree or cocoa tree) is a small (6–12 m (20–39 ft) tall) evergreen tree in the Malvaceae family. [1][3] Its seeds— cocoa beans —are used to make chocolate liquor, …
Cacao | Description, Cultivation, Pests, & Diseases | Britannica
Cacao, tropical evergreen tree grown for its edible seeds. Native to lowland rainforests of South America, cacao is grown commercially in the New World tropics as well as western Africa and …
The Chocolate Tree: What It Is & Where It Comes From
Jul 23, 2025 · Chocolate begins not in a factory, but on a tree named Theobroma cacao. This scientific designation, bestowed by Carolus Linnaeus, translates from ancient Greek as “food …
The Cacao Tree: From Ancient Mesoamerica to Global Chocolate
Apr 14, 2025 · Few plants have shaped human civilization as profoundly as Theobroma cacao, the cacao tree. This remarkable plant, native to the rainforests of Central and South America, …
Cacao tree - Theobroma cacao | Plants | Kew
One of the world’s most popular products, chocolate, comes from the cacao, or cocoa tree. It is made from cocoa beans: The seeds stored in the yellow fruit of the cacao tree.
Cacao trees 101: From cacao plants to cocoa beans
Nov 21, 2024 · The cacao tree (theobroma cacao) is a tropical plant that produces seeds (AKA cocoa beans) that are the main ingredient in chocolate. Cacao trees grow in warm, humid …
cacao tree (Theobroma cacao) - Botanical Realm
Oct 16, 2024 · The cacao tree, belonging to the Malvaceae family, is a small evergreen tree native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. Known for its large, visually …
Growing Cocoa: What Makes It Thrive? » The Cocoa Circle
Mar 28, 2025 · The cocoa tree, or Theobroma cacao, thrives in warm, humid climates surrounded by shade. Growing as tall as 15 to 25 feet, it takes on average three to five years before a tree …
Theobroma cacao - Plant Finder - Missouri Botanical Garden
Theobroma cacao is a small, wide-branching, evergreen tree that is native to tropical rainforest areas of Central and South America. It typically grows in the wild to 20-30' tall with glossy, …
Cocoa Tree Plant Care: Essential Home Growing Guide
Dec 17, 2025 · Cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao) is a tropical perennial requiring consistent warmth (65–90°F), high humidity, and partial shade. It grows 25–30 feet tall with cauliflorous flowers …