What Is the Chemical Composition of the Madre De Cacao Plant?
The Madre de Cacao plant contains lignin, esther extract and ash in addition to crude protein, crude fiber and other minerals. Madre de Cacao is a small, semi-deciduous tree native to Mexico and Central America.
Madre de Cacao is also called gliricidia, Mexican lilac, Nicaraguan cocoa shade and quickstick. The leaves are used as a natural insect repellent and insecticide, and are poisonous to rodents. The foliage is also used as fodder for livestock and as a green fertilizer, making it a very useful plant. It is not known to be harmful to human beings.
Madre de Cacao contains the following minerals: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper and iron. it contains a high fiber content, including acid detergent fiber, or ADF, at 35 percent, and neutral detergent fiber, or NDF, at 50 percent, which is important in its use as food for livestock.
Madre de Cacao is used as firewood in some cases. It is also used as a shade tree or ornamental plant, and sometimes as a shade tree for coffee plants.