Botanical description. Evergreen tree 5-10 m in height, trunk diameter 25 cm. Forms a dense crown with dark green shiny leaves 30-50 cm long and 10-15 cm wide. Small white or red flowers develop directly on the trunk (caulifloria) and form large fruits with almond-shaped seeds. Cocoa in its natural state grows in Central America, and is cultivated in many tropical areas.
active ingredients. The seeds contain cocoa butter, as well as theobromine, caffeine and dyes.
Application. Cocoa butter is still the basis for the preparation of laxative and analgesic suppositories, all kinds of medicinal ointments.