COCOA TREES in Malaysia

The cocoa tree was originated in the Upper Amazon basin. It grows only in the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, South America and Central America within 15 degrees of the equator. It grows best in the shade of other trees.

The cocoa tree needs to be shaded from strong tropical sun and sheltered from the wind. It can grow up to 50 feet tall.

It needs constant warmth and rainfall to thrive.


The cocoa trees begin to produce fruits in 3 to 5 years. The fruits are the rugby-shaped pods that contain the seeds that will become cocoa beans.


A typical cocoa rugby-shaped pod.

The dried & partially fermented fatty seeds of the cocoa tree from which chocolate is made.

Chocolate today is a US$60 billion industry worldwide. So, it is interesting to see cocoa trees growing in Malaysia.