THE WORLDWIDE FRUITS
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    • ORDER ARECALES >
      • FAMILY ARECACEAE >
        • SUBFAMILY ARECOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Areceae >
            • Subtribe Arecinae >
              • Genus Areca >
                • Areca catechu - Petel nut palm
                • For Copy
            • Subtribe Euterpeinae >
              • Genus Euterpe >
                • Euterpe oleracea
                • Euterpe precatoria
            • Subtribe Iquanurinae
            • Subtribe Ptychospermatinae
            • Subtribe Roystoneinae
          • Tribe Caryoteae >
            • Genus Arenga >
              • Arenga pinnata - Sugar palm
          • Tribe Cocoeae >
            • Genus Cocos >
              • Cocos nucifera (Coconut palm)
            • Genus Elaeis >
              • Elaeis quineensis - Oil palm tree
        • SUBFAMILY CALAMOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Calameae >
            • Genus Salacca >
              • Salacca wallichiana - Rakum palm
              • Salacca zalacca - Salak
        • SUBFAMILY CEROXYLOIDEAE >
          • Genus Phytelephas >
            • Phytelephas aequatorialis
            • Phytelephas macrocarpa
        • SUBFAMILY CORYPHOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Borasseae >
            • Genus Borassus >
              • Borassus flabellifer (Toddy palm)
            • Genus Lodoicea >
              • Lodoicea maldivica (Double coconut)
          • Tribe Phoeniceae >
            • Genus Phoenix >
              • Phoenix dactylifera (Date palm)
              • Phoenix reclinata (Senrgal date palm)
              • Phoenix sylvestris (Indian date palm)
        • SUBFAMILY NYPOIDEAE >
          • Genus Nypa >
            • Nypa fruticans (Nipa palm)
    • ORDER BRASSICALES >
      • FAMILY CAPPARACEAE >
        • Genus Capparis >
          • Capparis spinosa - Caper berry
        • Genus Crateva >
          • Crateva adansonii
          • Crateva religiosa - Garlic pear
      • FAMILY CARICACEAE >
        • Genus Carica >
          • Carica papaya - Papaya
        • Genus Jacaratia
        • Genus Vasconcellea >
          • Vasconcellea candicans - Mito tree
          • Vasconcellea goudotiana
          • Vasconcellea monoica
          • Vasconcellea pubescens - Mountain papaya
          • Vasconcellea querciflora
          • Vasconcellea x heilbornii - Babaco tree
    • ORDER CARYPHYLLALES >
      • FAMILY CACTACEAE >
        • SUBFAMILY CACTOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Cacteae
          • Tribe Cereeae >
            • Genus Cereus >
              • Cereus hildmannianus
              • Cereus jamacaru
              • Cereus repandus
          • Tribe Helocereeae >
            • Genus Hylocereus >
              • Hylocereus costaricensis (Red-fleshed Pitahaya)
              • Hylocereus indatus (Pitahaya or Dragon fruit)
              • Hylocereus megalanthus (Yellow pitahaya)
        • SUBFAMILY OPUNTIEAE >
          • Tribe Opuntieae >
            • Genus Opuntia >
              • Opuntia ficus-indica (Prickly pear)
              • Opuntia matudae (Xoconostle cactus)
        • SUBFAMILY PERESKIOIDEAE >
          • Genus Pereskia >
            • Pereskia aculeata
            • Pereskia bleo - Rose cactus
    • ORDER CUCURBITALES >
      • FAMILY CUCURBITACEAE >
        • SUBFAMILY CUCURBITOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Benincaseae >
            • Subtribe Benincasinae >
              • Genus Acanthosicyos >
                • Acanthosicyos horridus - Nara melon
                • Acathosicyos naudinianus - Gemsbok cucumber
              • Genus Benincasa >
                • Benincasa hispida - Winter melon
              • Genus Coccinia >
                • Coccinia grandis - Ivy gourd
              • Genus Cucumis >
                • Cucumis anguria - Maroon cucumber
                • Cucumis dipsaceus - Wild Spiny Cucumber
                • Cucumis melo - Muskmelon >
                  • Cantaloupe
                • Cucumis humofructus - Aadvark cucumber
                • Cucumis metuliferus - Horned melon
                • Cucumis myriocarpus - Gooseberry cucumber
                • Cucumis prophetarum - Paddy melon
                • Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) >
                  • Lemon Cucumber
              • Genus Citrullus >
                • Citrullus caffer - Citron melon
                • Citrullus colocynthis - Desert gourd
                • Citrullus ecirrhosus - Tsamma melon
                • Citrullus lanatus - Watermelon
              • Genus Lagenaria >
                • Lagennaria siceraria - Bottle gourd
            • Subtribe Luffinae >
              • Subtribe Cucumerinae
          • Tribe Cucurbiteae >
            • Genus Abobra >
              • Abobra tenuifolia - Cranberry gourd
            • Genus Cucurbita >
              • Cucurbita argyrosperma - Cushaw pumpkin
              • Cucurbita ficifolia - Figleaf gourd
              • Cucurbita foetidissima - Buffalo gourd
              • Cucurbita maxima - Giant pumpkin
              • Cucurbita moschata - Butternut squash
              • Cucurbita okeechobeensis
              • Cucurbita pepo - Field pumpkin
            • Genus Sicana >
              • New Page
              • Acorn Squash
          • Tribe Joliffieae >
            • Genus Siraitia >
              • Siraitia grosvenorii (Luo han guo or Monk fruit)
            • Genus Telfairia
          • Tribe Momordiceae >
            • Genus Momordica >
              • Momordica charantia - Bitter melon
              • Momordica cochinchinensis - Gac
              • Momordica dioica - Spine Gourd
          • Tribe Sicyoeae >
            • Genus Cyclanthera >
              • Cyclanthera explodens
              • Cyclanthera pedata - Achocha gourd
            • Genus Frantzia
            • Genus Hodgsonia
            • Genus Luffa >
              • Luffa accutangula (Angled luffa)
              • Luffa Aegyptiaca (Smooth luffa)
            • Genus Marah
            • Genus Sechium - Chayota genus >
              • Sechium edule - Chayote
            • Genus Trichosanthes >
              • Trichosanthes cucumerina - Snake gourd
          • Tribe Siraitieae >
            • Genus Siraitia >
              • Siraitia grosvenorii - Monk fruit
    • ORDER ERICALES >
      • FAMILY ACTINIDIACEAE >
        • Genus Actinidia >
          • Actinidia arguta - Hardy kiwifruit
          • Actinidia chinensis - Golden kiwi)fruit
          • Actinidia diliciosa - Kiwi fruit
          • Actinidia kolomikta - Arctic kiwifruit
          • Actinidia melanandra - Red kiwifruit
          • Actinidia polygama - Silver vine
      • FAMILY EBENACEAE >
        • Genus Diospyros >
          • Diospyros blancoi - Velvet persimmon
          • Diospyros decandra - Gold apple
          • Diospyros kaki - Asian Persimmon
          • Diospyros lotus - Lilac persimmon
          • Diospyros nigra - Black sapote
          • Diospyros taxana - Texas persimmon
          • Diospyros virginiana (American Persimmon)
      • FAMILY ERICACEAE >
        • SUBFAMILY ARBUTOIDEAE >
          • Genus Arbutus >
            • Arbutus andrachne - Greek strawberry tree
            • Arbutus azizonica
            • Arbutus unedo - Strawberry tree
            • Arbutus xalapensis
          • Genus Artostaphylos
          • Genus Xylococcus >
            • Xylococcus bicolor - Mission mananita
        • SUBFAMILY STYPHELIOIDEAE >
          • Genus Leptecophylla >
            • Leptecophylla juniperina
            • Leptecophylla tameiameiae
          • Genus Styphelia
        • SUBFAMILY VACCINOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Gaultherieae >
            • Genus Gaultheria
          • Tribe Vaccinieae >
            • Genus Gaylussacia >
              • Gaylussacia baccata - Black Huckleberry
              • Gaylussacia branchycera (Box Huckleberry)
              • Gaylussacia dumosa (Dwarf Huckleberry)
              • Gaylussacia frondosa (Blue Huckleberry)
            • Genus Vaccinium >
              • Bilberry or Whortleberry
              • Blueberry
              • Cranberry
              • Lingonberry or Cowberry
              • Huckleberry
      • FAMILY LECYTHIDACEAE >
        • Genus Bertholletia >
          • Bertholletia excelsa - Brazil nut
        • Genus Couroupita >
          • Couroupita guianensis - Cannonball tree
        • Genus Gustavia >
          • Gustavia superba
        • Genus Lecythis >
          • Lecythis pisonic
          • Lecythis zabucajo
      • FAMILY SAPOTACEAE >
        • SUBFAMILY CHRYSOPHYLLOIDEAE >
          • Genus Chrysophyllum >
            • Chrysophyllum albidum - African star apple
            • Chrysophyllum cainito - Milk fruit
            • Chrysophyllum oliviforme - Wild Star apple
            • Chrysophyllum roxburghii
            • Chrysophyllum magalismontanum
          • Genus Englerophytum >
            • Englerrophytum magalismontanum
            • Englerophytum natalense
          • Genus Synsepalum >
            • Synsepalum dulcificum (Miracle fruit)
          • Genus Pouteria >
            • Pouteria australis
            • Pouteria campechiana - Cannistel
            • Pouteria caimito - Abiu tree
            • Pouteria eerwark
            • Pouteria lucuma - Lucuma
            • Pouteria multiflora - Broad - leaved lucuma
            • Pouteria sandwicensis
            • Pouteria sapota - Mamey sapote
            • Pouteria viridis - Green sapote
        • SUBFAMILY SAPODOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Sapoteae >
            • Genus Manilkara >
              • Manilkara bidentata - Cow tree
              • Manilkara chicle (Chicle)
              • Manilkara hexandra
              • Manilkara huberi
              • Manilkara zopota (Sapodilla)
            • Genus Mimusops >
              • Mimusops caffra
              • Mimusops elengi
              • Mimusops zeyheri
          • Tribe Sideroxyleae >
            • Genus Argania >
              • Argania spinosa
    • ORDER FABALES >
      • FAMILY FABACEAE >
        • SUBFAMILY CAESALPINIOIDEAE >
          • Genus Pithecellobium >
            • Pithecellobium dulce
        • SUBFAMILY DETARIOIDEAE >
          • Genus Tamarindus - Tamarind genus >
            • Tamarindus indica - Tamarind
        • SUBFAMILY DIALIOIDEAE >
          • Genus Dialium >
            • Dialium cochinchinense
            • Dialium guineense - Black velvet tamarind
            • Dialium indum - Tamarin plum
        • SUBFAMILY FABOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Dalbergieae >
            • Genus Arachis - Peanut genus >
              • Arachis hypogaea - Peanut
          • Tribe Fabeae >
            • Genus Lathyrus - Peavine genus
            • Genus Pisum >
              • Pisum sativum - Pea
            • Genus Vicia >
              • Vicia faba - Broad bean
          • Tribe Phaseoleae >
            • Subtribe Cajaninae >
              • Genus Cajanus - Pigeon pea genus >
                • Cajanus cajan - Pigeon pea
            • Subtribe Glycininae >
              • Genus Glycine >
                • Glycine max
            • Subtribe Phaseolinae >
              • Genus Psophocarpus - Winged bean genus >
                • Psophocarpus tetragonolobus - Winged bean
    • ORDER LAMIALES >
      • FAMILY OLEACEAE >
        • Tribe Oleeae >
          • Genus Olea >
            • Olea europaea - Olive
      • FAMILY PEDALIACEAE >
        • Genus Sesamum >
          • Sesamum indicum - Sesame
          • Genus Couroupita
    • ORDER LAURALES >
      • FAMILY LAURACEAE >
        • Genus Persea >
          • Persea americana (Avocado)
    • ORDER MAGNOLIALES >
      • FAMILY ANNONACEAE >
        • Genus Annona >
          • Annona x atemoya - Atenmoya
          • Annona cherimola - Cherimoya
          • Annona chrysophylia - Graines
          • Annona crassiflora - Marrolo
          • Annona diversiflora - Ilama
          • Annona glabra - Pond apple
          • Annona montana - Mountain soursop
          • Annona muricata - Soursop
          • Annona purpurea - Soncoya
          • Annona reticulata - Custard apple
          • Annona sebegalensis - African custard apple
          • Annona squamosa - Sweetsop
        • Genus Anonidium >
          • Anonidium mannii - Junglesop
        • Genus Asimina >
          • Asimina triloba - Common pawpaw
        • Genus Monodora >
          • Monodora myristica - Calabash nutmeg
        • Genus Rollinia >
          • Rollinia deliciosa - Wild sugar apple
        • Genus Uvaria >
          • Uvaria chamae
          • Uvaria ovata
          • Uvaria rufa
      • FAMILY MYRRISTICACEAE >
        • Genus Myristica >
          • Myristica fragrans - True nutmeg
          • Myristica malabarica - Bombay nutmeg
        • Genus Pycnanthus
    • ORDER MALPIGHIALES >
      • FAMILY CALOPHYLLACEAE >
        • Genus Mammea >
          • Mammea africana - African mamey apple
          • Mammea americana - Mamey apple
      • FAMILY CLUSIACEAE >
        • SUBFAMILY CLUSIOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Garcinieae >
            • Genus Garcinia >
              • Garcinia dulcis - Mundu tree
              • Garcinia humilis - Achacha tree
              • Garcinia gardneriana - Bacupari
              • Garcinia indica - Kokum tree
              • Garcinia intermedia - Lemon drop mangosteen
              • Garcinia mangostana - Mangosteen
          • Tribe Platonieae >
            • Genus Platonia - Bacury genus >
              • Platonia insignis - Bacuri tree
          • Tribe Plukenetieae
        • SUBFAMILY HYPERICOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Calophylleae >
            • Genus Mammea
      • FAMILY EUPHORBIACEAE >
        • SUBFAMILY ACALYPHOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Acalypheae >
            • Genus Ricinus >
              • Ricinus communis
          • Tribe Plukenetieae >
            • Genus Plukenetia >
              • Plukenetia conophora
              • Plukenetia volubitis
        • SUBFAMILY CROTONOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Aleuritideae >
            • Genus Aleurites
          • Tribe Manitroteae >
            • Genus Manihot
          • Tribe Micrandreae >
            • Genus Schinziophyton
      • FAMILY MALPIGHIACEAE >
        • Genus Bunchosia >
          • Bunchosia argentea
          • Bunchosia armeniaca >
            • FAMILY GOMORTEGACEAE >
              • Genus Gomortega >
                • Gomortega keule
        • Genus Byrsonima >
          • Byrsonima crassifolia - Nance fruit
        • Genus Malpighia >
          • Malpighia emarginata (West Indian cherry)
      • FAMILY PHYLLANTHACEAE >
        • SUBFAMILY ANTIDESMATOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Antidesmeae >
            • Genus Antidesma >
              • Antidesma bunius
          • Tribe Scepinae >
            • Genus Baccaurea
        • SUBFAMILY PHYLLANTHOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Phyllantheae >
            • Genus Phyllanthus >
              • Phyllanthus acidus (Star gooseberry)
              • Phyllanthus emblica (Indian gooseberry)
    • ORDER MALVALES >
      • FAMILY BIXACEAE >
        • Genus Bixa >
          • Bixa orellana
      • FAMILY MALVACEAE >
        • SUBFAMILY BOMBACOIDEAE >
          • Genus Adansona - Baobab genus >
            • Adansonia digitata - Baobab
            • Adansonia grandidieri - Giant baobab
            • Andansonia gregorii - Australian baobab
          • Genus Quararibea >
            • Quararibea cordata - South American Sapote
        • SUBFAMILY BYTTNEROIDEAE >
          • Genus Theobroma >
            • Theobroma bicolor (Mocambo)
            • Theobroma cacao (Cacao tree)
            • Theobroma granddiflorum - Cupuacu tree
        • SUBFAMILY HELICTEROIDEAE >
          • Tribe Durionneae >
            • Genus Durio L. >
              • Durio dulcis (Red Durian)
              • Durio kutejensis - Durian pulu
              • Durio zibethinus (Durian)
              • Durio graveolens - Red fleshed durian
        • SUBFAMILY MALVOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Hibisceae >
            • Genus Abelmoschus >
              • Abelmoschus caillei - West African okra
              • Abelmoschus esculentus - Okra
        • SUBFAMILY STERCULIOIDEAE >
          • Genus Cola >
            • Cola acuminata
            • Cola nilida
          • Genus Sterculia
      • FAMILY MUNTINGIACEAE >
        • Genus Muntingia >
          • Muntingia calabura (Jamaica cherry)
    • ORDER MYRTALES >
      • FAMILY LYTHRACEAE >
        • SUBFAMILY PUNICOIDEAE >
          • Genus Punica >
            • Runica granatum (Pomegranate)
            • Punica protopunica (Socotran pomegranate)
        • SUBFAMILY SONNERATIOIDEAE >
          • Genus Sonneratia >
            • Sonneratia alba
            • Sonneratia caseolaris
            • Sonneratia hainanensis
            • Sonneratia ovata
        • SUBFAMILY TRAPOIDEAE >
          • Genus Trapa >
            • Trapa natan - Water caltrop
      • FAMILY MYRTACEAE >
        • SUBFAMILY MYRTOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Myrteae >
            • Genus Acca >
              • Acca sellowiana
            • Genus Amomyrtus
            • Genus Austromyrtus
            • Genus Eugenia
            • Genus Hexachlamys
            • Genus Luma >
              • Luma apiculata
              • Luma chequen
            • Genus Myrtus
            • Genus Plinia
            • Genus Psidium >
              • Psidium cattleyanum (Cherry Guava)
              • Psidium guajava (Guava)
            • Genus Rhodomyrtus
            • Genus Ugni
          • Tribe Syzygieae >
            • Genus Syzygium >
              • Syzygium jambos
              • Syzygium oleosum
              • Syzygium paniculatum
              • Syzygium papyraceum
              • Syzygium samarangense (Java apple)
              • Syzygium smithii
              • New Page
    • ORDER ROSALES >
      • FAMILY CANNABACEAE >
        • Genus Celtis >
          • Celtis occidentalis
          • Celtis sinensis
      • FAMILY ELAEAGNACEAE >
        • Genus Elaeagnus >
          • Elaegnus angustifola - Russian olive
          • Elaeagnus multiflora - Cherry silverberry
        • Genus Hippophae >
          • Hippophae rhamnoides - Sea buckthorn
        • Genus Shepherdia >
          • Shepherdia argentea - Silver buffaloberry
          • Shepherdia canadensis - Canadian buffalberry
      • FAMILY MORACEAE >
        • Tribe Artocarpeae >
          • Genus Artocarpus >
            • Artocarpus altilis (Breadfruit)
            • Artocarpus camansi - Breadnut
            • Artocarpus integer (Cempedak)
            • Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jackfruit)
          • Genus Treculia >
            • Treculia africana (African breadfruit)
        • Tribe Dorstenieae >
          • Genus Brosimum - Breadnut genus >
            • Brosimum alicastrum - Breadnut
        • Tribe Durioneae >
          • Genus Durio >
            • Durio zibethinus (Durian)
        • Tribe Ficeae >
          • Genus Ficus >
            • Ficus carica - Common fig
            • Ficus coronata - Creek sandpeper fig
            • Ficus platypoda - Desert fig
            • Ficus racemosa - Cluster fig
        • Tribe Moceae >
          • Genus Maclura >
            • Maclura cochinchinensis - Cockpur thorn
            • Maclura pomifera - Osage orange
          • Genus Morus >
            • Morus nigra - Black mulberry
            • Morus rubra - Red mulberry
      • FAMILY RHAMNACEAE >
        • Genus Ziziphus >
          • Ziziphus jujuba
          • Ziziphus lotus
          • Ziziphus mauritiana
          • Ziziphus mistol
          • Ziziphus mucronata
          • Ziziphus nummularia
      • FAMILY ROSACEAE >
        • SUBFAMILY AMYGDALOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Amygdaleae >
            • Genus Prunus >
              • Subgenus Amygdalus - Almond and Peach >
                • Prunus dulcis - Almond
                • Prunus persica - Peach
              • Subgenus Cerasus - Cherry tree >
                • Prunus avium (Sweet cherry)
                • Prunus cerasus (Sourc cherry)
              • Subgenus Prunus - Apricot and Plum >
                • Section Armeniaca - Apricot trees
                • Plum trees
              • Subgenus laurocerasus - Cherry laurel
              • Subgenus Lithocerasus
              • Subgenus Padus - Bird cherry
          • Tribe Maleae >
            • Subtribe Malinae >
              • Genus Cydonia >
                • Cydonia oblonga (Quince)
              • Genus Eriobotrya >
                • Eriobotrya japonica (Loquat)
              • Genus Malus >
                • Malus domestica - Apple tree
                • Malus sylvestris - European Wild apple
                • Malus pumila (Apple tree)
              • Genus Pyrus >
                • Pyrus communis - European pear
                • Pyrus pyrifolia - Asian pear
                • Pyrus x bretschneideri - Chinese white pear
              • Genus Sorbus >
                • Sorbus subgenus Aria
                • Sorbus subgenus Chamaemespilus
                • Sorbus subgenus Cormus
                • Sorbus subgenus Micromeles
                • Sorbus subgenus Sorbus
                • Sorbus subgenus Torminaria
        • SUBFAMILY ROSOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Rubeae >
            • Genus Prunus
            • Genus Rubus >
              • Rubus fruticosus (Blackberry)
              • Rubus x loganobaccus (Loganberry)
            • Genus Eriobotrya
          • Tribe Potentilleae >
            • Genus Fragaria >
              • Fragaria x ananassa (Straw berry)
              • Fragaria virginiana (Virgina strawberry)
              • Fragaria moschata - Musk strawberry
    • ORDER SAPINDALES >
      • FAMILY ANACARDIACEAE >
        • SUBFAMILY ANACARDIOIDEAE >
          • Genus Anacardium >
            • Anacardium occidentale (Cashew tree)
            • Anacardium othonianum (Little cashew)
          • Genus Bouea
          • Genus Mangifera - Mango genus >
            • Mangifera indica - Mango tree
            • Mangifera odorata - Saipan Mango
            • Mangifera siamensis - Thai Mango
            • Mangifera sylvatica - Nepal Mango
          • Genus Rhus >
            • Rhus ovata - Sugar sumac
            • Rhus typhina - Staghorn sumac
        • SUBFAMILY SPONDIOIDEAE >
          • Genus Dracontomelon >
            • Dracontomelon duperreanum (Vietnamese: Sau)
          • Genus Spondias >
            • Spondias dulcis (Golden apple)
            • Spondias mombin (Yellow mommbin)
            • Spondias purpurea - Purple mombin
            • Spondias tuberosa (Brazil plum)
      • FAMILY BURSERACEAE >
        • Genus Canarium >
          • Canarium album
          • Canarium luzonicum
          • Canarium ovatum
          • Canarium pseudodecumanum
        • Genus Dacryodes >
          • Dacryodes edulis - Safou tree
      • FAMILY MELIACEAE >
        • Genus Lansium >
          • Lansium parasiticum - Langsat tree
        • Genus Sandoricum >
          • Sandoricum koetiape - Santol fruit
      • FAMILY RUTACEAE >
        • SUBFAMILY AURANTIOIDEAE >
          • Tribe Citreae >
            • Subtribe Balamocitrinae >
              • Genus Aegle - Bael genus
            • Subtribe Citrinae >
              • Genus Citrus >
                • Important Species >
                  • Citrus maxima (Pomelo)
                  • Citrus medica (Citron)
                  • Citrus reticulata - Mandarin
                  • Citrus tangerina (Tangerine)
                • Important Hybrids >
                  • Citrus x sinensis (Sweet orange)
                  • Citrus reticula x sinensis (King orange)
              • Genus Fortunella
            • FAMILY VITACEAE >
              • Genus Cayratia >
                • Cayralia trifola (Vietnamese wild grape)
              • Genus Vitis >
                • Vitis labrusca (Fox grape vine)
                • Vitis vinifera (Common grape vine)
            • Subtribe Triphasiinae
          • Tribe Clauseneae >
            • Genus Glycosmis
        • SUBFAMILY TODDALIOIDEAE >
          • Genus Casimiroa >
            • Casimiroa edulis - White sapote
      • FAMILY SAPINDACEAE >
        • SUBFAMILY HIPPOCASTANOIDEAE >
          • Genus Aesculus - Horse chestnut genus >
            • Aesculus hippocastanum - Horse chestnut
        • SUBFAMILY SAPINDOIDEAE >
          • Genus Blighia >
            • Blighia sapida (Ackee)
          • Genus Diploglottis >
            • Diploglottis australis - Australian tamarin
          • Genus Dimocarpus >
            • Dimocarpus longan (Longan tree)
          • Genus Litchi >
            • Litchi chinensis (Lychee)
          • Genus Melicoccus >
            • Melicoccus bijugatus - Spanish lime
          • Genus Nephelium >
            • Nephelium hypoleucum (Korlan tree)
            • Nephelium malabile (Pulasan tree)
            • Nephelium lappaceum (Rambutan)
            • Nephelium xerospermoides (Hairless Rambutan)
          • Genus Paullinia >
            • Paullinia cupana - Guarana tree
          • Genus Talisia >
            • Talisia esculenta
        • SUBFAMILY XANTHOCEROIDEAE >
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Genus Theobroma

Theobroma cacao
​Cacao tree /Chocolate tree

Edited by Ho Dinh Hai
Long An - Vietnam
​Updated: 12/07/2016

1- Introduction to the Species Theobroma cacao L. - Cacao tree

              1.1- Scientific classification
               Kingdom:      Plantae
               (unranked):    Angiosperms
               (unranked):    Eudicots
               (unranked):    Rosids
               Order:           Malvales
               Family:          Malvaceae
               Subfamily:    Byttnerioideae
               Tribe:            Theobromateae
               Genus:          Theobroma L.
               Species:        Theobroma cacao L.
               1.2- Species Theobroma cacao L. - Cacao tree
               + Overview
              Theobroma cacao is the taxonomic classification for the plant also called the  cacao tree and the cocoa tree, which is a small (4-8 m (13-26 ft) tall) evergreen tree in the family Malvaceae, native to the deep tropical regions of Central and South America. Its seeds,  cocoa beans, are used to make cocoa mass, cocoa powder,  confectionery,  ganache and chocolate.
               + Taxonomy and nomenclature
              Cacao (Theobroma cacao) belongs to the genus Theobroma classified under the subfamily Sterculioidea of the mallow family Malvaceae. Cacao is one of 22 species of Theobroma.
              The generic name is derived from the Greek for "food of the gods"; from  θεός  (theos), meaning "god," and βρῶμα (broma), meaning "food".
              The specific name cacao is derived from the native name of the plant in indigenous Mesoamerican languages. The cacao was known as  kakaw  in  Tzeltal,  K’iche’ and Classic Maya; kagaw in Sayula Popoluca; and cacahuatl in Nahuatl.
               Cupuaçu, Theobroma grandiflorum, is a closely related species found in Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia. Like cacao, it is also the source for a kind of chocolate known as cupulate or cupuaçu chocolate. Cupuaçu is considered as having high potential by the food and cosmetics industries.
               + Synonyms:
               1- Cacao minar Gaertn.
               2- Cacao minus Gaertn.
               3- Cacao sativa Aubl.
               4- Cacao theobroma Tussac
               5- Theobroma cacao f. leiocarpum (Bernoulli) Ducke
               6- Theobroma cacao subsp. leiocarpum (Bernoulli) Cuatrec.
               7- Theobroma cacao var. leiocarpum (Bernoulli) Cif.
               8- Theobroma cacao subsp. sativa (Aubl.) León
               9- Theobroma cacao var. typica Cif.
              10- Theobroma caribaea Sweet
              11- Theobroma integerrima Stokes
              12- Theobroma kalagua De Wild.
              13- Theobroma leiocarpum Bernoulli
              14- Theobroma pentagonum Bernoulli
              15- Theobroma saltzmanniana Bernoulli
              16- Theobroma sapidum Pittier
              17- Theobroma sativa (Aubl.) Lign. & Le Bey
              18- Theobroma sativa var. leucosperma A. Chev.
              19- Theobroma sativa var. melanosperma A. Chev.
              20- Theobroma sativum (Aubl.) Lign. & Bey
Picture
Map of Cacao regions

2- Characteristics of the Species Theobroma cacao L. - Cacao tree

              2.1- Description
              + The plant
              Cocoa tree is usually 4-6 m high, with sometimes exceeding 8 m.
             Cacao trees grow well as understory plants in humid forest ecosystems. This is equally true of abandoned cultivated trees, making it difficult to distinguish truly wild trees from those whose parents may originally have been cultivated.
           "Cherelles" are small pods that die on the tree before they mature. Even though fewer than 5% of flowers are pollinated, the tree will still produce more fruit than it can healthfully support. In consequence, the tree naturally "weeds out" some of these energy-draining youngsters (up to 90%), which blacken and shrivel during their early stages of growth. These sticky cherelles contribute to leaf litter and provide nice, juicy homes for the midge population.
          Cacao roots soak up rainfall and nutrients from the soil and leaf litter. Stretching across the thin forest floor, these roots also anchor the cacao tree and help prevent soil erosion. Cultivated cacao's root system is shallow, however, and relies heavily on the decaying cover of leaf litter to remain healthy. Most of the nutrients in rainforest soils can be found in the topmost layer of decaying vegetation.
            When grown naturally from seed the tree has a 2 metre deep taproot. However in cultivation, most plantations use vegetative reproduction (cuttings) that results in a tree without taproot.
              + The leaves
               Leaves are alternate, entire, unlobed, 10 - 40 cm (3.9 - 15.7 in) long and 5 - 20 cm (2.0 - 7.9 in) broad.
              When cacao leaves fall to the forest floor, they mix with the leaves of other plants and decay. Fungi and other organisms decompose this debris, which are going to feed the soil with essential nutrients, thus fertilizing the tree. In addition, decaying leaves provide the perfect breeding ground for midges, the tiny insects that pollinate cacao flowers.
               + The flowers
              The flowers are produced in clusters directly on the trunk and older branches; this is known as cauliflory. The flowers are small, 1 - 2 cm (0.39 - 0.79 in) diameter, with pink calyx. The floral formula is ✶ K5 C5 A(5°+5²) G(5). While many of the world's flowers are pollinated by bees (Hymenoptera) or butterflies/moths (Lepidoptera), cacao flowers are pollinated by tiny flies, Forcipomyia midges in the subfamily  Forcipomyiinae.
             Once they reach maturity, cacao trees flower continuously during the entire year. The flowers of the cacao tree are tiny pink and/or white five-petaled blossoms. They are found on the trunks and lower branches of the tree, while in general, trees produce their flowers and fruit only on the smallest branches. Botanists refer to this phenomenon as cauliflory. Fewer than 5% of cacao flowers are pollinated. These flowers can only be pollinated by small, gnat-like midges that can work their way through a cacao blossom's complicated parts.
                + The fruits
               The fruit, called a cacao pod, is ovoid, 15 - 30 cm (5.9 - 11.8 in) long and 8 - 10 cm (3.1 - 3.9 in) wide, ripening yellow to orange, and weighs about 500 g (1.1 lb) when ripe.
           The fermented pulp, until recently discarded in Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and Peru, is now being distilled there into a popular alcoholic beverage sold in the United States.
              Cacao pods are the fruits of the cacao tree. Successfully pollinated flowers mature into this ribbed and oval fruit. The ripening process takes about five months. It is quite common to see both flowers and pods together on the same tree throughout the year. The thick shelled cacao pod contains "mucilage", a sweet white pulp that surrounds the bitter cocoa beans. Each tree produces about 20 pods and each pod contains between 20 and 60 seeds. In order to produce one kilogramme of cocoa paste about 10 pods are required. Healthy mature pods will eventually rot on the tree unless picked by an animal or farmer. When the pods ripen they turn from green or yellow to orange or red.
               + The seeds
               The pod contains 20 to 60 seeds, usually called "beans", embedded in a white pulp. Each seed contains a significant amount of fat (40 - 50%) as cocoa butter. Their most noted active constituent is theobromine, a compound similar to caffeine.
                The seeds are the main ingredient of chocolate, while the pulp is used in some countries to prepare refreshing juice, smoothies, jelly, and nata.
             Cocoa beans, the base for making chocolate, are the seeds of the cacao tree. They are found inside the cacao pods, surrounded by a sweet white pulp. Each pod contains between 20 and 60 cocoa beans. A variety of chemicals, including theobromine which is very similar to caffeine, give the seeds a bitter flavour. Beans can only germinate within 2 weeks of being harvested. When monkeys, birds, human or other animals break open the pods to reach the delicious sweet pulp, they spit out the bitter-tasting seeds. This is the clever adaptation that the cacao tree evolved so that its seeds hit the forest floor and sprout into new trees.
                2.2- Origin and Ditribution
                + Origin
               The cacao tree is native to the Americas. It originated in Central America as well as parts of Mexico.
                + Distribution
               Theobroma cacao is widely distributed from southeastern Mexico to the Amazon basin.
             Cocoa is mainly produced in South America (main regions being Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guiana and Venezuela), Central America, West Indies, Nigeria, Ghana, Ceylon, Java.
                2.3- Bilogical characteristics
                 + Ecology
              Cacao comes from the cacao tree, which is very difficult to grow. It only bears fruit inside the band of 20 degrees north and 20 degrees south of the equator. But even within this band of the tropics, the tree will not grow if the altitude is so high that the resulting temperature falls below 15° Celsius (60°F). Cacao also needs year-round moisture. Poor growing conditions make it even more susceptible to a multitude of diseases. On the other hand, when conditions are perfect for the tree, the seeds will sprout in a few days and the tree will start bearing fruit after four years.
                + Cacao genome
              The genome of Theobroma cacao is diploid, its size is 430 Mbp, and it comprises 10 chromosome pairs (2n=2x=20). In September 2010, a team of scientists announced a draft sequence of the cacao genome (Matina1-6 genotype). In a second, unrelated project, the International Cocoa Genome Sequencing Consortium-ICGS, co-ordinated by CIRAD, first published in December 2010 (online, paper publication in January 2011), the sequence of the cacao genome, of the Criollo cacao (of a landrace from Belize, B97-61/B2). In their publication, they reported a detailed analysis of the genomic and genetic data.
               The sequence of the cacao genome identified 28,798 protein-coding genes, compared to the roughly 23,000 protein-coding genes of the human genome. About 20% of the cacao genome consists of transposable elements, a low proportion compared to other plant species. Many genes were identified as coding for  flavonoids, aromatic  terpenes, theobromine and many other metabolites involved in cocoa flavor and quality traits, among which a relatively high proportion code forpolyphenols, which constitute up to 8% of cacao pods dry weight. The cacao genome appears close to the hypothetical  hexaploid ancestor of all dicotyledonous plants, and it is proposed as an evolutionary mechanism by which the 21 chromosomes of the dicots' hypothetical hexaploid ancestor underwent major fusions leading to cacao's 10 chromosome pairs.
             The genome sequence will help accelerate research on cacao molecular biology and breeding for elite varieties through marker-assisted selection, in particular for genetic resistance to fungal, oomycete and viral diseases responsible for huge yield losses each year.
                + Chemistry
                  - Introduction
            Cocoa contains alkaloids mainly theobromine (3,7-dimethylxanthine), present about 0.9-3 % in kernels or nibs and 0.19-3% in the husks. Although lesser amounts of theobromine is found in the husks, commercially theobromine is obtained from the husks of the cocoa tree. Caffeine (0.05-0.35%), trigonelline and cocoa butter is also present.Water soluble polyphenols i.e epicatechol, anthocyanins and leucoanthocyanins are also present in 5-10% concentrations in the fresh seed. The plant is thus rich in anti-oxidants.
               Cocoa butter (also known as theobroma oil) is present in the kernel (nib) in around 55% which is formed by grinding the kernel into a liquid mass called chocolate liquor. From this molten mass cocoa butter is removed by hydraulic pressing. Cocoa butter comprises of triglycerides mainly of oleic, palmitic and stearic acids.75% of the fats present in cocoa butter are mono unsaturated.
              The remains left after removing cocoa butter from the kernel is dried and powdered to form cocoa powder. Alkali treated cocoa powder is better color and flavor compared to untreated cocoa powder.
               - Chemical Tests
              Theobromine shows positive results for the murexide test (Drug is mixed with small amounts of potassium chlorate and a drop of HCl. It is then evaporated to dryness and exposed to ammonia vapors. Purple color is produced.). Theobromine crystallises as white rhombic shaped needles.
              Theobromine can be distinguished from caffeine on the basis that it is precipitated from dilute HNO3 by silver nitrate. Also sublimation point for theobromine is at 220°C whereas caffeine sublimes at 178-180°C.
               + Conservation
             The pests and diseases to which cacao is subject, along with climate change, mean that new varieties will be needed to respond to these challenges. Breeders rely on the genetic diversity conserved in field genebanks to create new varieties, because cacao has recalcitrant seeds that cannot be stored in a conventional genebank. In an effort to improve the diversity available to breeders, and ensure the future of the field genebanks, experts have drawn up A Global Strategy for the Conservation and Use of Cacao Genetic Resources, as the Foundation for a Sustainable Cocoa Economy. The strategy has been adopted by the cacao producers and their clients, and seeks to improve the characterization of cacao diversity, the sustainability and diversity of the cacao collections, the usefulness of the collections, and to ease access to better information about the conserved material. Some natural areas of cacao diversity are protected by various forms of conservation, for example national parks. However, a recent study of genetic diversity and predicted climates suggests that many of those protected areas will no longer be suitable for cacao by 2050. It also identifies an area around  Iquitos in Peru that will remain suitable for cacao and that is home to considerable genetic diversity, and recommends that this area be considered for protection.
                                                                                                                                                               Edited by Ho Dinh Hai
                                                                                                                                                           Long An - Vietnam
                                                                                       References
                1- http://www.worldwidefruits.com
                2- http://www.worldwidefruits.com/orders-of-plants.html
                3- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvales
                4- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvaceae
                5- http://delta-intkey.com/angio/www/malvacea.htm
                6- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombacoideae
                7- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brownlowioideae
                8- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byttnerioideae
                9- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theobroma
               10- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theobroma_caca
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