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Theobroma grandiflorum

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Theobroma grandiflorum (Willd. ex Spreng.) K.Schum.

Family Name: Malvaceae
Synonyms: Bubroma grandiflorum
Common Name: Cupuassu

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants)
Plant Growth Form Tree
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic

Biogeography

Native Distribution Brazil
Native Habitat Terrestrial
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
Local Conservation Status Non-native

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form Tree up to 8 m tall in cultivation and 20 m tall in the wild.
Foliage Leathery leaves are bright green and hairy on top and grey below (25-35 cm long, 6-10 cm wide).
Flowers Dark purple flowers are arranged in clusters of 3-5 in a cymose inflorescence.
Fruit Smooth, elliptical fruits are known as drupes (25 cm long, 12 cm wide). Fruits weigh 0.2-4 kg and contain 30-50 seeds.
Ethnobotanical Uses Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits
Food (Fruit or Vegetable): The pulp surrounding the seeds has an acidic-sweet flavour and is used to make juice and ice cream. Although related to cacao, it is typically not used to make chocolate due to the low melting point of its fat content.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Moderate

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio 3.0 (Tree - Intermediate Canopy)

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) White, Red

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 1896
Species ID 3189
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 11 October 2022.
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