Cocoa

[Linda]

How does cocoa grow, on a tree, a bush, or?

[Piljim]

Cocoa beans are grown on the cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao), a tall tree that in its cultivated form grows between 4 and 10 metres high. The tree produces wonderfully colourful white or pink flowers all year round, although only about 5% bear fruit. Cocoa trees are grown around the equator (Central & S. America, Ivory Coast, Nigeria etc) since it thrives on high temperatures and humidity. The cocoa fruit (egg-shaped and measuring 15-30cm long) hangs from the trunk and largest brances. Each fruit contains 30-40 cocoa beans.