Jaguar Cacao

Common Names: Mocambo, Jaguar Cacao, White Cacao, Pataxte

Theobroma bicolor is a rare cousin of the common chocolate tree. It grows well in warm spots and is a must for rare fruit collectors. The fruit has a hard, woody shell with a beautiful pattern that looks like jaguar skin. Inside, you find a creamy, sweet pulp with a flavour like melon or jackfruit. It is a hardy tree that adds a lush, tropical feel to any Perth garden with its massive, silvery leaves.

Features:

Ideal prune height range: 3-5m

pH growing conditions: 6.0 to 7.0

Shade or full sun: Needs heavy shade when young, can handle part sun once older

Minimum pot year 5: 50L pot

Time to fruit age: 3-5 years from a seedling

Mocambo trees grow with a unique structure. They have a straight trunk with branches that fan out in layers. The leaves are huge and fuzzy on the underside, which helps them stand out in a food forest. These trees love humidity and regular deep watering during a dry Perth summer. They are a bit tougher than common cacao and can handle cooler nights if they are protected from wind and frost.

Interesting Notes:

The seeds are edible and can be toasted like nuts or used to make a mild, white chocolate. In Central America, people use the seeds to make a traditional drink called Pataxte. The pulp is often eaten fresh or blended into refreshing juices.

Theobroma bicolor is generally considered hardier than common cacao. It has a tougher root system and thicker, leathery leaves that handle lower humidity and temperature swings better than the standard chocolate tree.

While common cacao is quite sensitive to dry air and cool winds, this variety can tolerate the occasional chilly night in a protected spot. It also grows faster and establishes more quickly in a garden.

In a Perth climate, it still needs protection from frost and hot, drying winds. It performs best when planted under a canopy of other trees to create a humid microclimate. Even though it is more resilient, it still needs regular deep watering and plenty of mulch to thrive during a long summer.

This tree is a top pick for permaculture fans who want a multi-purpose plant that looks stunning.

Limited stock. Pickup from Parkwood, WA. Delivery to Perth Metro only.

Keywords: Mocambo, Theobroma bicolor, rare fruit tree, white cacao, tropical fruit Perth, jaguar tree