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Why are cacao trees often planted with banana, palm, or rubber trees?
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cocoa
Cocoa beans.
Cacao trees are often interplanted with other tree crops, such as banana, palm, or rubber trees, primarily to provide essential shade and wind protection for the young cacao plants.1
Because the cacao tree has a shallow root system, it is particularly vulnerable to strong winds, making the shelter provided by these companion trees vital for its survival and healthy development.1