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Theobroma

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Theobroma is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family Malvaceae, previously classified in the family Sterculiaceae before that family was absorbed into Malvaceae, comprising 41 species of small understory trees native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. The most economically significant species is Theobroma cacao, whose seeds are the source of cocoa and chocolate; other species of economic importance include cupuacu, mocambo and capacui. The genus name derives from Greek words meaning food of the gods.

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