Theobroma grandiflorum

Theobroma grandiflorum, also known as Cupuaçu, is a tropical rainforest tree related to Cacao. Native to the Amazon basin, it is widely cultivated in the jungles of Colombia, Bolivia and Peru and in the north of Brazil, with the largest production in Pará, followed by Amazonas, Rondônia and Acre.

Description

Theobroma grandiflorum is a small to medium-sized tree, usually ranging from 5 to 15 meters in height, and a member of the family Malvaceae. The leaves are 25–35 cm long, and the flowers are white, large, and grouped in clusters. The fruit is oblong, brown, and fuzzy, 20 cm long, 1–2 kg in weight, and covered with a thick, hard exocarp.

Cultivation and Uses

Theobroma grandiflorum is widely cultivated for its fruit. The pulp of the Cupuaçu is used in the production of juices, jellies, ice creams, and is also used in the cosmetics industry. The seeds are used to produce a type of cocoa butter known as Cupuaçu butter, which is a popular ingredient in skincare products due to its high antioxidant and moisturizing properties.

Nutritional Value

The fruit of Theobroma grandiflorum is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, fatty and amino acids, and at least nine antioxidants, including Vitamin A and Vitamin E. The pulp is also rich in phytosterols that have benefits for the heart and skin health.

Conservation Status

Theobroma grandiflorum is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, like many other species in the Amazon, it is potentially at risk due to ongoing deforestation and habitat loss.

See Also

• Theobroma cacao
• Tropical agriculture
• Amazon Rainforest