SOME ILLUSTRATIONS OF PODS 17 



prices obtained where selected strains have been largely 

 planted. 



Fig. 18. Theobroma pentagona, or " Alligator Cacao," 

 has, as its scientific name denotes, five distinctly raised 

 acute angled ribs on the surface of its pod, between which 

 lies a peculiar warted surface, which is likened to the 

 skin of an alligator ; hence its common name in Central 

 America. The outer covering is soft and easily penetrated, 

 and when ripe it readily bursts on falling to the ground. 

 The beans possess a high flavour, and when cured, a fine 

 aroma, and are larger than any of the various forms of Theo- 

 broma cacao, except perhaps those of Fig. 12, " Nicaraguan 



Via. 12. — Nicaraguan Criollo. 



CrioUo," with which they compare. In the author's 

 opinion, however, it is probable that " Nicaraguan Criollo " 

 may have hybridised with T. pentagona, causing increased 

 size and alteration in form of the beans in the Criollo, a 

 point which future observations will probably decide. 

 The pod of this species is universally dull yellow, sometimes 

 with a dark or reddish touch of colour on the side next the 

 sun. Wright's figure of this species is shown a little too 

 small, but that given by Preuss is an excellent representa- 

 tion of the species, which affords commercial cacao of the 

 highest quality. 



Fig. 14. Theobroma bicolor, or Tiger, or Pataste 

 Cacao. — The specific name bicolor is given owing to the two 

 colours of its leaf, the upper surface showing a dark green, 

 while the under has a grey or whitish appearance. The 



