Cacahuaxochitl (Quararibea funebris)
Bits & Pieces
The "Bits & Pieces" section is intended for random snippets of information which don't fit
easily elsewhere and/or which have been newly added, but not yet carefully categorized.
easily elsewhere and/or which have been newly added, but not yet carefully categorized.
- Taxonomy ChangeQuararibea funebris was somewhat recently moved from the family Bombacaceae to Malvaceae.
- Used In Cacao Drinks as Frothing Agent in Oaxaca, MexicoThe flowers of Quararibea funebris are used in the Oaxacan cacao drink tejate. The flowers add a little flavor, but mostly make the drink froth when stired rapidly (a carved wooden tool called a Molinillo.
- Other NamesRosita de Cacao, Cacao Flower, Flor de Cacao, Madre Cacao, Xochicacaohuatl, Cacahuaxochitl, Cacaoxochitl, Poyomatli (possible)
- Cacao FlowerQuararibea funebris has several modern and traditional Mexican names that mean "cacao flower", although the plant has no botanical relationship with cacao itself. Instead, it is the cacao flower because it is used in association with the cacao.