Cocoa Flowers

*Cocoa flowers* are tiny, pink blossoms that grow directly from the trunk and strong branches of the cacao tree. They are extremely delicate and their beauty lasts for only a few hours after blossoming. During this short period of time, the flowers must be pollinated in order for cocoa pods to grow. Even though hundreds of flowers can be present on one tree, less than 5 percent are naturally fertilized by flies, midges or ants. To ensure a successful crop, plantation workers perform the laborious task of pollinating by hand to gently transfer the pollen to the stigma.