Customer Reviews

The Chocolate Tree: A Natural History of Cacao (Smithsonian Nature Books)

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This book is very aptly titled. It is exactly a natural history of the cocoa tree, a biography of a plant. I've never read a book quite like this before- -an entire book written about the detailed life cycle, evolution, and economic uses of a single plant. Although the book covers all aspects of the cocoa tree, it does emphasize the author's research on the pollinators of the cocoa tree. It was fascinating to learn how difficult it is to cultivate this rain forest plant commercially, and the science behind why it is difficult to do so. The book is written in an academic style with many citations to the published literature on the cocoa tree. The book also includes a listing of common names and scientific names for all plants and animals mentioned in the text. Despite the academic bent, the book is written for general audiences, and is not too technical. Anyone with a deep interest in the cultivation of cocoa will be interested in this book, as well as anyone with a general interest in the botany of the tropical rainforest.

What a great book. Explains all the history and details of cacao. If you want to try some raw organic cacao for yourself check out www.naturalzing.com, Natural Zing.

Wow Cacao!

I found this to be a fascinating book...written by a man who really knows his subject. It has given me a greater understanding of chocolate..and made me appreciate this true gift of the rainforest.