Theobroma cacao, Chocolate Tree - £14.99

Description:

Native to the American tropics, from southeastern Mexico to the Amazon basin, cacao trees thrive in warm, humid environments with partial shade that mimics the dense rainforest canopy of Central and South America. 

Phytochemistry

The primary alkaloid biosynthesised by Theobroma cacao is theobromine, a chemical in the methylxanthine class that acts similarly to its analog, caffeine, though its action on the central nervous system is far less pronounced and often aversive with large doses having to be ingested. Like caffeine, theobromine is toxic to poor-metabolizers such as dogs, cats, and birds presenting a small but notable health risk.