Tropical Plant "Cupuassu"
Theobroma grandiflorum

Characteristics - The cupaussu is a fruit tree widely cultivated in the tropical regions of Brazil and it is also found in nature in its natural habitat, the dry forests of the Amazon region, mainly in the state of Para. It is an evergreen tree, 4-8 m tall. Leaves are subcoriaceous, bicolored, glabrous on the upper surface, with delicate hairs covering the inferior surface, 20-40 cm long. Flowers, cauline in small cymes of 2-4 flowers, form from September to November. Fruits are large (up to 2 kg) berry-type, ripening form February to April. They contain large seeds, surrounded by fibro-succulent pulp, very aromatic, with a slightly acidic flavor. There is also a seedless variety.

Uses - The fruits are consumed in their natural state in juices, ice creams or sweets.

Propagation - Propagated by seeds.