What species is the cacao tree that provides the beans used to make chocolate?

The cacao tree that provides the beans used to make chocolate is Theobroma cacao.

The species belongs to the genus Theobroma, a name derived from Greek words meaning “food of the gods.” It is an evergreen tree native to the tropical Americas and is now cultivated extensively in humid regions near the Equator.

Cacao pods grow directly from the trunk and larger branches, a growth habit called cauliflory. Each pod contains a pulp surrounding many seeds, commonly called cacao beans. Fermentation and drying develop the flavor compounds later used in chocolate production.

The species name is sometimes confused with the finished ingredient. Cacao refers to the plant and its beans, while cocoa commonly refers to processed beans or powder. Theobroma cacao is also divided into cultivated genetic groups, including Criollo and Forastero, although modern cacao varieties often have mixed ancestry.