Mocambo (Theobroma bicolor) - Seedling - LIVE PLANT

Plant Insights and Care

Mocambo (Theobroma bicolor), also known as white cacao, is a unique and less commonly known relative of the cacao tree. Native to the Amazon Basin, it offers potential for cultivation in similar warm and humid climates, such as in parts of the UAE where conditions can be carefully managed.

Key Points:

• Origin: Amazon Basin, thriving in the lush, tropical environments.
• Climate: Best suited to tropical climates with high humidity and consistent warmth, which can be emulated in greenhouse or controlled environments within the UAE.
• Sun Exposure: Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight, akin to its natural understory habitat in tropical forests.
• Watering: Requires consistent moisture, mimicking the rainforest environment, with well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.
• Soil: Favors rich, well-drained soils with a slight acidity, similar to the forest floors of its native habitat.

Fruit Profile

Mocambo fruits are large, with a thick, hard shell encasing a sweet, edible pulp surrounding the seeds. The pulp is consumed fresh or used in desserts, while the seeds can be roasted and eaten like nuts or even a different kind of chocolate can be made from them, similar to cacao seeds. Mocambo offers a unique flavor profile, with the pulp being aromatic and the seeds having a nutty taste.

Cultivation Details:

• Growing Time: Mocambo trees take several years to mature and bear fruit. Patience is required, as with many tropical fruit trees grown from seed.
• Maintenance Required: Moderate. Involves regular pruning to maintain tree health and shape, and monitoring for pests and diseases common to tropical fruit trees.

Cultivating Mocambo in the UAE represents an exciting challenge for enthusiasts of tropical horticulture, offering the chance to add a rare and exotic tree to their collection. Its cultivation requires attention to environmental conditions, especially humidity and soil moisture, to mimic its native rainforest habitat as closely as possible.

While Mocambo is distinct from more commonly known tropical fruits, its unique characteristics and potential uses make it an attractive option for diversifying fruit cultivation and exploring new culinary uses. Gardeners interested in rare and exotic plants may find cultivating Mocambo a rewarding endeavor, contributing to the diversity of tropical fruit available in the UAE.