Origin
Oreobroma pygmaeum, commonly known as the Pygmy Cacao or Dwarf Chocolate, is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is native to the rainforests of Central and South America, particularly in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil.
Common Names
Aside from Pygmy Cacao and Dwarf Chocolate, Oreobroma pygmaeum is also known by other common names such as Chocoita, Chupa Chupa, and Chocolate de Pobre.
Uses
The fruit of Oreobroma pygmaeum is used to make a chocolate-flavored drink that is a popular beverage in the Amazon. The plant also has medicinal uses, as the bark and leaves contain alkaloids that are used to treat fever, headaches, and muscle pains. The wood of Oreobroma pygmaeum is used for fuel and construction, and the small size of the plant makes it a popular choice for ornamental use in gardens.
General Appearance
Oreobroma pygmaeum is a small tree that can grow up to 3 meters in height. It has dark green leaves and produces small, yellow flowers that bloom throughout the year. The fruit of the plant is a small, round pod that is about the size of a golf ball. The pod contains 1-2 seeds that are covered in a white pulp, which has a sweet and slightly sour taste. The seeds are similar in size and shape to those of the cacao plant, but they do not have the same intense chocolate flavor.
Growth Conditions for Oreobroma pygmaeum
Oreobroma pygmaeum is a plant species that is native to North America and prefers to grow in wetland environments. It is commonly found in swamps, marshes, and along the banks of streams or rivers.
Light
Oreobroma pygmaeum requires a moderate amount of sunlight to grow properly. It prefers to grow in partially shaded areas with filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight may cause the leaves to dry out and turn yellow.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Oreobroma pygmaeum is between 15 - 25°C (59 - 77°F). The plant can grow in colder temperatures, but growth may be slower. Exposure to temperatures below 10°C (50°F) may cause the leaves to yellow or die.
Soil
Oreobroma pygmaeum prefers to grow in sandy or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. It requires moist soil conditions and cannot tolerate dry or drought-like environments. The soil pH should be between 4.5 - 6.5.
Overall, providing the right light, temperature, and soil conditions is essential to the growth and success of Oreobroma pygmaeum. Adhering to these growth conditions can help ensure healthy plant growth and development.
Cultivation Methods:
Oreobroma pygmaeum, also known as the dwarf cacao, is a small tree that can grow up to 5 meters tall. It is native to the rainforests of Central and South America and requires a warm and humid environment to thrive. The plant grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. When planting, ensure that the soil is loose, rich in organic matter, and well-aerated. It is advisable to plant the seedlings during the rainy season when the soil is moist. Plant the seedlings at a spacing of 3 to 4 meters from each other to allow proper growth and development.
Watering Needs:
Oreobroma pygmaeum requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. Ensure that the soil is moist at all times, but avoid waterlogging or overwatering, as this can lead to waterlogging, root rot, and other fungal diseases. The plant requires around 1300-1500 mm of rainfall annually, so it is essential to water the plants in the dry season if the rainfall is less than the required amount. Mulch the base of the tree to help conserve moisture in the soil.
Fertilization:
The plant requires regular fertilization to maintain optimal growth and development. Apply organic fertilizers such as well-rotted manure or compost annually during the rainy season. Alternatively, use inorganic fertilizers such as NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) in the ratio of 10:10:10. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the tree, and water it well after application. Avoid over fertilization as it can lead to leaf burn and other nutrient-related issues.
Pruning:
Pruning is an essential aspect of maintaining Oreobroma pygmaeum to allow proper growth and development. Prune the tree during the early stages to maintain the desired shape and height. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to promote healthy growth. Additionally, prune the tree to aid in harvesting the fruits and increase yield. Prune the tree after harvesting by removing the lower branches to increase air circulation, reduce pests and diseases, and allow easy access to the tree for maintenance practices.
Propagation of Oreobroma pygmaeum (Gray) T.J. Howell
Oreobroma pygmaeum (Gray) T.J. Howell, also known as the small-flowered cacao or wild cocoa, is a small tree that is native to Mexico and Central America. It is a rare and endangered species that is prized for its ornamental value and medicinal properties.
Propagation Methods
Oreobroma pygmaeum can be propagated by seeds or vegetative means.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Oreobroma pygmaeum can be collected from ripe fruit and sown in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and kept moist but not wet. Germination can take 2-4 weeks and may require bottom heat. Seedlings should be transplanted into larger containers once they have grown their first true leaves.
Vegetative Propagation
Oreobroma pygmaeum can also be propagated by stem cuttings or air layering.
Stem cuttings should be taken from mature wood in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm in length and include a node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the base in a rooting hormone. Insert the cutting into a well-draining soil mix and cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Rooting can take 2-3 months.
Air layering can be done in the spring or summer. Choose a stem that is 1-2 years old and make a small incision in the bark. Cover the area with moist sphagnum moss and wrap with plastic wrap. Roots should develop in 2-3 months. Once roots have formed, cut the rooted portion from the parent plant and plant in a well-draining soil mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Oreobroma pygmaeum
Oreobroma pygmaeum, commonly known as dwarf broom cocoa, is a small shrub that belongs to the family Malvaceae and is native to Ecuador and Peru. Similar to other plants, dwarf broom cocoa is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Therefore, it is essential to have adequate disease and pest management strategies to ensure the plant's optimal growth and yield.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Oreobroma pygmaeum is black pod. Black pod is caused by the fungus Phytophthora spp. and affects cocoa trees' pods, causing them to rot and turn black. To manage this disease, it is advisable to prune infected plant parts and clean up debris around plantations regularly. Additionally, using fungicides helps prevent further disease spread. Other diseases that affect dwarf broom cocoa include witches' broom, frosty pod rot, and vascular streak dieback.
Common Pests
The cocoa pod borer is one of the most significant pests that attack Oreobroma pygmaeum. This pest causes significant economic losses in cocoa production. Signs of infestation include damaged pods and frass near the infested pods. To prevent infestation, it is advisable to limit insect movement by involving intercropping and removing fallen pods. Additionally, transparent sticky bands or pheromone traps can be used to trap the borer. Other common pests include mealybugs, stem borers, and mirids.
Pest and Disease Management
The best approach to disease and pest management in Oreobroma pygmaeum is through integrated pest management techniques. These techniques involve the use of natural predators, pest-resistant varieties, and cultural practices to manage diseases and pests. Additionally, using chemical pesticides should be the last resort and only done when necessary. Farmers should also engage in effective scouting and monitoring to detect pest and disease infestation early, resulting in timely management measures.
Effective management of diseases and pests in Oreobroma pygmaeum is critical to ensure optimal plant growth and yield. Farmers should adopt sustainable cultural practices that promote the growth and utilization of natural predators while limiting the use of chemical pesticides.
