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Hair-bearing cacao (Theobroma capilliferum)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Theobroma capilliferum: Botanical Overview and Characteristics
Thriving in the shaded understory of South American rainforests, Theobroma capilliferum remains a fascinating subject of study for tropical botanists. This wild relative of the cultivated cacao tree plays a small yet distinct role in the biodiversity of wet tropical ecosystems. Its survival depends on the pristine conditions of primary forests in Colombia and Ecuador.
Taxonomy
- ∟ царство Plantae
- ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
- ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- ∟ Angiosperms
- ∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
- ∟ eudicots
- ∟ Superrosids
- ∟ rosids
- ∟ malvids
- ∟ order Malvales
- ∟ family Malvaceae
- ∟ subfamily Byttnerioideae
- ∟ genus Theobroma (Cacao trees)
- ∟ species Theobroma capilliferum (Hair-bearing cacao)
Morphology
This evergreen tree typically grows as a small to medium-sized understory specimen. The species is characterized by several distinctive botanical features:
- Leaves: The foliage consists of large, alternate, simple leaves with entire margins and distinct venation.
- Flowers: Small flowers are produced directly on the older branches or trunk, a phenomenon known as cauliflory. The petals feature thin, hair-like appendages that inspire its specific epithet.
- Fruit: The woody, oblong pods contain multiple seeds embedded in a sparse, mucilaginous pulp.
Interesting facts
The specific epithet capilliferum translates to "hair-bearing" in Latin. This refers to the exceptionally fine, thread-like structures found on the floral petals of this species. Unlike the widely cultivated cacao, its seeds are not harvested for commercial chocolate production.
Geography of distribution
- Colombia
- Ecuador
Sources
- POWO: Plants of the World Online (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)
- GBIF: Global Biodiversity Information Facility
- WFO: World Flora Online
Articles about the plant
See also
Cacao Tree
Theobroma cacao
Theobroma cacao, commonly known as the cacao or cocoa tree, is a tropical evergreen species …
Cupuaçu
Theobroma grandiflorum
A tropical rainforest tree related to cacao, native to the Amazon basin. It is widely …
Mocambo tree
Theobroma bicolor
Theobroma bicolor, commonly known as the mocambo or jaguar tree, is a wild and cultivated …
Nipple-fruited cacao
Theobroma mammosum
A tall tropical forest tree from Central America known for its unique cylindrical-oblong fruits with …