Cacaui

Theobroma speciosum is an evergreen tree that grows up to 15 m (49 ft) tall. The trunk is straight, with plagiotropic (horizontally growing) side branches. The canopy is small. Its leaves are simple, and have a coriaceous (leather-like) surface with trichomes (hairs). Leaf arrangement is distichous (leaves alternate between one side of the stem and the other). Flowers are red, and grow on the trunk in dense clusters. Fruits are 10 cm (3.9 in) in length, and comprise approximately 20 seeds surrounded by a white flesh, which in turn is surrounded by a capsule.

Theobroma speciosum is native to:

Bolivia Brazil, where it has been recorded as present in the following states: Acre Amapá Amazonas Maranhão Mato Grosso Pará Rondônia Peru Venezuela

The fruit of T. speciosum is a food source for primates and rodents. Its flowers are pollinated by flying insects.

The flesh of the fruit is eaten by the Ka'apor and Tacana peoples. The seeds are used to make chocolate, and could also be used to make cocoa butter substitutes. The flowers are edible, and contain high concentrations of antioxidants.