Family: Malvaceae

The Mocambo tree is a small tree that bears edible fruit. In its native range of Central and South America, It naturally grows in the understory of dense, wet forests. It withstands flooding when the soil is well-drained. 

A close relative of cocoa, Mocambo shares similar qualities and nutrients. White Mocambo seeds can be processed like its cousin cocoa, but it is inferior in taste. However, it is nutritious, high in calories, rich in protein, fiber, high in Omega 9 and contains caffeine. They are often toasted and added to soups. The fruit pulp is sweet and mild in taste, much better than cocoa. 

Seeds are best when sown fresh. Fruiting occurs in five years. 

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Edible
• Medicinal
• Ornamental

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Sometimes escapes cultivation
  
• May have allelopathic properties
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Seeds dispersed by large animals and intentionally by people
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization (although escapes cultivation)
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Edible fruit and seeds
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Reaches maturity in 5+ years
  
• Fruit and seeds relatively large and unlikely to be inadvertently dispersed
  
• Seeds may be recalcitrant and unlikely to form a persistent seed bank