A Cozy Little Niche

Theobroma cacao originated in South America, most likely in the Orinoco River or Amazon region. However, it is now grown and cultivated in areas across the world close to the equator. But this does not mean that the tree is easy to cultivate. Its ecological niche is small and it requires specific conditions to flourish. One of the most important of these conditions is shade. The cacao tree is an understory tree, requiring the shade of taller trees called "mother trees" for protection from the wind. Plentiful rainfall is also necessary since it requires a steady humidity level, along with steady warm temperatures.

As mentioned in the Adaptations and Interactions page, the cacao tree relies heavily on the other organisms in its tropical habitat. This is completely logical when you look at the extraordinary diversity of life in rainforests. Without its pollinators, seed dispersers, mother trees, mychorrizae, and many other organisms, the cacao tree wouldn't fit nearly as well into its cozy little niche. The reason the tree is so difficult to farm is because of its closely tied relationships to its true niche and rainforest neighbors.

Learn how cacao makes baby sprouts!