TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA

Quararibea funebris

Rosita de Cacao, Cabezona, Molinillo, Funeral Tree
Family: Malvaceae (Formerly:Bombacaceae)
Subfamily: Bombacoideae
Origin: Southern Mexico
USDA Zone: 9-11?

Ethnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.

Subtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time

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 and for perfume producing. The fragrance stays in dry flowers for decades, thus they were used for funeral ceremonies and were found in crypts still fragrant after many years. The wood of this tree was used for fishing: pieces of the scented wood placed in water attracts fishes. Aztecs mixed flowers with chocolate to add spicy pungent taste, hence the name Rosita de Cacao. The tree seems to be somewhat hardy and able to survive brief temperature drops to the 30s.

Other names: Cacao Flower, Flor de Cacao, Madre Cacao, Molinillo. Aztec names: Poyomatli, Xochicacaohuatl, Flor Cacahuaxochitl, Cacaoxochitl

See Article about Drink of the Gods.

Similar plants:

Quararibea cordata, Matisia cordata (Chupa-chupa, Zapote Chupachupa, South American Sapote)

Image gallery: 11 images

Link to this plant:

https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/quararibea_funebris.htm

2262 Quararibea funebris - Rosita de Cacao, Funeral tree

Rosita de Cacao, "Drink of the Gods". Rare aromatic tree from Mexico, an obscure spice. Fragrant flowers that are closely associated with cacao, mixed with chocolate and other ingredients to concoct Oaxacan cacao drink tejate, a spicy energy beverage with medicinal and religious significance - "the drink of the gods". The plant is hardy to the 30s F. Round crown shape, does not require pruning and looks nice and neat as a landscape centerpiece or specimen plant; easily grown in container.

Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Pikake - Fragrant Flower Booster

This item is not certified for shipping to California, Texas, Louisiana, Arizona. Do not order it for shipping to these states. More info

Grown in

6"/1 gal pot, small plant

Notify me when available

About Tropical Plant Encyclopedia · Pictogram Guide·