Sterculiaceae Collection

Tropical Hydrangea or Pink-Ball (Dombeya wallichii), Sterculiaceae, Temperate greenhouse tree, native to Madagascar
Herbal, 18th-19th century. Iconographia Taurinensis. Volume LIV Plate 24 by Angela Rossi Bottione, Tropical Hydrangea or Pink-Ball (Dombeya wallichii Daydon Jackson), Sterculiaceae

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) crop, pods growing on trees in plantation, Atewa, Ghana, February

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) crop, close-up of pods, growing on tree, Abrafo Village Forest, Ghana, February

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) crop, close-up of beans in drying tray, Fond Doux Plantation, St. Lucia, Windward Islands, Lesser Antilles, November

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) crop, beans in drying trays, Fond Doux Plantation, St. Lucia, Windward Islands, Lesser Antilles, November

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) crop, fermented beans drying naturally on plantation, Belmont Estate, Grenada, Grenadines, Windward Islands, Lesser Antilles, August

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) crop, close-up of fermented beans drying naturally on plantation, Belmont Estate, Grenada, Grenadines, Windward Islands, Lesser Antilles, August

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) crop, close-up of harvested pods, Fond Doux Plantation, St. Lucia, Windward Islands, Lesser Antilles, November

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) crop, close-up of pod, growing on tree, Fond Doux Plantation, St. Lucia, Windward Islands, Lesser Antilles, November

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) crop, beans in large bowl being coating in cocoa dance by worker, Fond Doux Plantation, St. Lucia, Windward Islands, Lesser Antilles, November

Devils Cotton (Abroma augusta), Sterculiaceae, Temperate greenhouse shrub native to tropical Asia, watercolor
Herbal, 18th-19th century. Iconographia Taurinensis. Volume XXVII, Plate 87 by Giovanni Antonio Bottione: (ja): Devils Cotton (Abroma augusta), Sterculiaceae

Plant and fruit of Cacao tree Theobroma cacao, color print
Herbal, 19th century. Plant and fruit of Cacao tree (Theobroma cacao). Color print, France

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"Sterculiaceae: A Journey through the World of Cocoa" In the lush plantations of Atewa, Ghana, we witness nature's marvel as cocoa pods grow on trees. The vibrant green leaves provide a perfect backdrop for these precious fruits that hold the key to one of our favorite indulgences - chocolate. Moving closer, we find ourselves in Abrafo Village Forest, where a close-up reveals the intricate details of cocoa pods hanging gracefully from their branches. Each pod is like a treasure chest waiting to be unlocked, filled with beans that will soon undergo a magical transformation. At Fond Doux Plantation in St Lucia, we catch a glimpse of beans spread out on drying trays. The sun's gentle touch aids in their journey towards perfection. These beans are destined to become part of the rich tapestry that defines fine chocolate. On Belmont Estate in Grenada, we observe fermented beans naturally drying under the Caribbean sun. This traditional method enhances their flavors and sets them apart from ordinary cocoa. A closer look unveils their dark beauty as they transform into culinary wonders. Harvested pods at Fond Doux Plantation beckon us with promises of delectable delights. Their colors range from deep reds to earthy browns, each harboring an abundance of potential within its shell. Back amidst the plantation's foliage, we encounter another pod growing proudly on a tree. Its presence reminds us that every piece of chocolate has humble beginnings rooted in nature's embrace. But Sterculiaceae encompasses more than just cocoa; it holds treasures beyond our sweet cravings too. In temperate greenhouses around the world, plants like Devil's Cotton and Tropical Hydrangea thrive under careful cultivation. Their delicate blooms and vibrant hues add splashes of color to our lives.