Cocoa have to be hand pollinated?

[Coach62]

I have one cocoa tree flowering. Surprised at how tiny the flowers are. Do they have to be hand polinated?

[Finca La Isla]

No, but some cacao trees are self infertile.

[Coach62]

I do know that some are self infertile, I just don't know if I have one of those types LOL.  I can't remember which type I have.

The flowers are VERY tiny, I was surprised at how small they are.  I know in truly tropical areas they are pollinated by a special midge or beetle or something like that.  Are they just wind pollinated then?

[luketrollope]

They are pollinated by very small insects like midges or as we call them sand fly's. They say not to keep it too tidy around the base of the tree. Leave leaf litter around the tree as the midges live in the mulch of the tree. They say leave a few cracked cacao pods around to as the insects like that as well and don't spray pesticides in the area. The pulp of the fruit around the seed is great very sweet. Good luck it is a great tree.

[shinzo]

I have one cocoa tree flowering. Surprised at how tiny the flowers are. Do they have to be hand polinated?

I have no idea about the polliniation, but i am interested to know if it is potted tree or in ground and do you have any picture?