This tropical tree has an erect trunk with smooth to mottled bark and spreading branches that form a rounded crown. It has large oblong glossy green leaves and the small pinkish saucer-shaped flowers are followed by red to brown fruit with edible nuts.

Hardiness zones 11 to 12 

Theobroma cacao is naturally found in the central and southern America growing on the eastern slopes of the equatorial Andes as an understorey plant in rainforests. It prefers a moist to wet, fertile soil in a protected shaded position with wind, frost and drought protection.

Chocolate Tree is grown for its fruit and large attractive foliage. It is planted in rainforest gullies or in tropical settings as a lawn specimen and as a commercial crop. It is not commonly grown in domestic gardens but is planted in botanical collections. It establishes in 3 to 5 years and may be difficult to obtain. ID 1814

Note:
It has been cultivated by the Aztecs in Central America for hundreds of years and was first exported to Europe in the 16th century by the Spanish, for the cocoa beverage and chocolate trade.

It also herbal properties as a bitter stimulant and diuretic that lowers blood pressure and dilates coronary arteries. Cocoa also has many economical uses, such as flavouring, cosmetics and the production of chocolate. The bi-products from cocoa include fertiliser, fodder and fuel.

Theobroma (theo-BRO-ma) cacao (KA-ka-o)

Malvaceae (mal-VAY-see-ee)
Cotton, Mallows and Hollyhocks