Some interesting facts about Theobroma cacao, the Fruit of Gods...

Origin of this tropical understory tree in the family of the Sterculiaceae are the Amazon Headwaters from where it moved to Central America. Cocoa cultivation began by Mayan tribes in Central America, ca. 1500 BC. Mayas and Aztec attributed divine origin to cocoa tree (brought by god Quetzacoatl). The precious cocoa beans were used as a currency. The sacred beverage called "chocolatl" was consumed from golden cups.

Cocoa was exported to Europe in 1585 but the first chocolate bar was not made until 1848. The purine alkaloids theobromine and caffeine are responsible for the stimulant effect of cocoa and chocolate and contribute to bitter cocoa flavor.
The tree grows between ±15 ° latitude, requires 18-32 °C and 1500-2000 mm rain with high humidity. The tree grows 12-15 meter tall (in plantations ~ 7m). Seedlings form a jorquette with 5 plagiotropic branches.
After 2-3 years the tree produces many cauliflorous flowers and fruits develop after about 5 years.
The self-incompatibility of Theobroma cacao is an important issue. The fruits abscise several weeks after pollination. Self compatibility is rare but important for breeding.
The fruits grow for 150-180 days, contain 30-40 seeds surrounded with mucilaginous pulp, and produce 10-35 cm long pods with recalcitrant seeds (no germination after dessication). A good tree produces up to 40 pods/year
 The plant is pollinated by midges (Forciponia sp). 60% of the flowers never get pollinated, & abscise in 48 hours. Only about 5% of pollinated flowers receive enough pollen to initiate fruit development.
Diseases of Cocoa:

Up to 30% of World's production is lost mostly through fungal deseases such as:

Black pod - Phytophora spp.
Witches' Broom - (Crinipellis) Moniliophthora perniciosa causes up to 90% loss of yield, attacks all meristematic tissues, flushes, cushions and young pods. It causes distorted flushes, "strawberry fruits" and infected pods.
Moniliophthora Pod Rot Moniliophthora roeri Cocoa Swollen Shoot and Cocoa Pod Borer