In this paper, a biographical scetch, specially for Colombian growing areas, of the main aspects that determine the flowering, fruiting and vegetative development of Theobroma cacao ¡s made. Ecophysiologically the cacao tree is a species with heigh respose to hydroperiodic stress, of umbrophyllic nature during the first years of development, subsequently adapting to free exposition, due to autoshading of its canopy. The photosynthetically active radiation, with a good didtribution in the leaf strati, permits an efficient labor of the leaves near the diferenciation zones or floral cushions. Temperature not only affeets the vegetative growth, but also the regulation of fruit production during the year. Emphasis is made in the importance of maintaining the natural cover, product of fallen leaves, so its descomposition enriches with C02 the lower strati, where the leaves for fruit filling are concentrated.