Theobromine is the principal alkaloid of cacao plant. It is slightly water-soluble with a bitter taste. First discovered in 1841 by A. Woskresensky. Derived from xanthosine through methylation process
Malvaceae contains 243 genera and 4,225 species worldwide. Most numerous in tropics, with plants occurring in all but cold regions. DNA studies in late 20th century led to single family classification