what is the relationship between the cacao tree being native to central and south america and the maya living in central america?

The cacao tree was part of the ancient civilizations like the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec. These trees grew in the part of the Central and South of America, which gave the civilizations to get acquainted with it. Mayans worshiped the cacao tree and calling cacao pods as the food of the gods. Chocolate drinks were used in religious ceremonies and consumed by Mayan people. In Aztec culture, they not only drink chocolate but valued cacao beans more than gold.