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Summary
Theobroma glaucum is an evergreen tree growing up to 15 m in height and 30 cm in bole diameter. It is commonly found in northern part of South America particularly in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. The seeds are a source of cacao and also contain oil, starch, and protein. The fruit pulp can be made into a drink. Medicinally, it can be used as an emollient, and for angina, high blood pressure, chapped skin and burns, and bruises. Seed oil is also used for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Physical Characteristics
Theobroma glaucum is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects, Wind.
Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Theobroma calodesmis Diels
Plant Habitats
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Seed
Edible Uses: Drink Oil
The seeds are a source of a cacao that is said to be of good quality[46 , 636 ]. The seeds of species in this genus are generally a rich source of oil (around 50%), starch (around 15%) and protein (around 15%)[636 ]. They also contain a volatile oil and the stimulating alkaloids caffeine and theobromine[636 ]. Fruit - raw. The pulp is sucked out of the fruit, or it is used to make a refreshing drink[636 ]. The pale orange pulp has a very sweet flavour[636 ].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antibacterial Cardiac Emollient Hypotensive Skin
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[238 ]. The butter is also applied externally as an emollient[238 ]. Cacao powder is taken internally in the treatment of angina and high blood pressure[238 ]. Cacao butter is an excellent emollient, being applied to the skin to soothe and soften it[238 ]. It is used traditionally to treat chapped skin and burns, and is also rubbed into bruises[238 ]. Research has shown that it can help to counter the bacteria responsible for boils and septicaemia[254 ].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Cosmetic Oil
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[636 ].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
A plant of the hot, moist, lowland tropics[636 ]. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 20 - 30°c, tolerating 16 - 40°c[636 ]. It requires a mean annual rainfall within the range 2,000 - 8,000mm, evenly distributed throughout the year[636 ]. Grows best in the dappled shade of other trees[420 ]. Prefers a relatively rich, circumneutral soil[636 ]. The plant is not drought tolerant, being unable to withstand even short dry seasons without the protection of dense shade and local humidity[636 ].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant 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[636 ].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
SOUTHERN AMERICA: Brazil (Amazonas), Colombia (Caquetá, Putumayo, Vaupés), Ecuador, Peru (Loreto)
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
H.Karst.
Botanical References
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.
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Subject : Theobroma glaucum
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