Rosita De Cacao

Photo: Anonymous

About

A South American Sapote relative known for its flowers which yield an aromatic spice. The dried flowers are used as a flavoring for chocolate drinks and a variety of other things. The flowers are also used to produce perfume. A native to Southern Mexico.

Information

Other names: Molinillo, Xochicacaohuatl or Cacahuaxochitl., Funeral Tree, Poyomatli

Translations: Rosita de Cacao, ロジータは、デカカオ, روزيتا دي الكاكاو, Rosita De kakaovým, Росита де Цацао, Rosita De cacao, 로지따 드 Cacao, Rosita de Cacao, Rosita De kakaovým, רוזיטה דה קקאו, Росита де какао, Rosita De kakaw, Rosita डी कोको, Rosita de Cacao, Росіта де какао, 罗西塔可可, Rosita de Cacao, Rosita De Kakao, Rosita de Cacau, Росита De Cacao

Physical Description

Quararibea funebris, or Rosita de Cacao, is a beautiful, rare exotic flowering tree of a medium to large size and is considered an obscure spice. It originates from Mexico and South America and is a close relative of Chupa-Chupa (Quararibea cordata) and is known for its fragrant white flowers (1-2" wide) which yield an aromatic spice; it is followed by a small aromatic fruit. This evergreen shade tree is very ornamental and has large leathery green leaves up to 15" long and symmetrical, speading crown. The species was at one time widespread and growing wild throughout the Oaxaca region of Mexico. Due to deforestation, it lost its once wide growth range.

Social/Political

History: t was known in the ancient times by names of Poyomatli, Xochicacaohuatl or Cacahuaxochitl. These words literally mean, "flower of cacao" even though the plant is not botanically related to cacao. In Mexico today these flowers are known in Spanish as "flor de cacao" or "rosita de cacao" or "madre cacao".
The Aztecs used its highly pungent flowers, known as Cacaoxochitl, to flavor their chocolate drinks. Also, the dried flowers were used at weddings and festivals.
The Aztecs also used it for fishing: scented wood of this tree attracts fishes.