for Hotzcatz -- any source for viable cacao pods?

[Guest]

Cathy, I saw your posting on gardenweb from earlier this year when I was googling for cacao pod sources on the island.

I'm interested in seeing if it would grow on my land in Papa`ikou. I have an acre of understory with soil that is stream frontage. It's not much above sea level, and it's in gulch so it's not windy.

What do you think, could it work?

[allensylves]

Kathy,

Island Naturals (in front of WalMart) was selling cacao pods last week.

Allen
Baton Rouge, LA & HPP

[jade]

They sell cocoa plants at the Makuu farmers market $3.00 to $5.00ea. I am in HPP not to far from sea level and I have a cocoa tree that is growing well. Not next to a stream but we get a lot of rain.

Jade

[Hotzcatz]

Aloha KathyH,

A friend of mine in Laupahoehoe has cacao pods on her tree, but I don't know if they are seasonal or not. There are probably sprouted seeds under the tree, I've not asked lately. If you like, I could call and inquire if she has either pods or seedlings and how much they would be. I need to talk to her about hatchable chicken eggs anyway since one of our hens wants to set and we have no rooster.

A hui hou,
Catz

[pslamont]

Four major types of cacao are cultivated: Criollo, Forastero, Trinitario and Nacional.

I am a fan of Criollo and have some starts going.

The Criollo tree originates in Mexico and Central America and gives very high quality cacao beans and is mainly cultivated in South and Central America. The yield is fairly low but is the source of ther worlds finest chocolate.

The Forastero is very much cultivated in Africa, but also in Central and South America and constitutes approximately 80% of world production of cacao. This tree grows faster and gives higher yield than other types of cacao.

The Trinitario is a crossbreed between the Forastero and Criollo, and is mainly cultivated in Central and South America and Asia. It has its aroma from Criollo and its resistance to disease and its productivity from Forastero.

The Nacional is mostly cultivated in South America west of the Andes. It is prone to disease and difficult to grow, but has an excellent aroma.

More than you wanted to know, but.....

Pam


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