Cocoa is obtained from the seeds of Theobroma cocoa, which belongs to the family Sterculiaceae. It is also known as cocoa seed or cocoa bean. The cocoa seeds are obtained from the cocoa plants which grow in the countries like Sri Lanka, Java, Brazil, Ecuador, Guiana and Carribean islands.
A cacao tree with fruit pods in various stages of ripening. Taken on the Big Island (Hawaii) in the botanical gardens. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Theobromine is the main constituent of cocoa seeds and cocoa butter is present in minute amounts. It also contains caffeine, volatile compounds which give flavour and polyphenols in trace amounts.