Synonyms

Acajuba occidentals (L.) Gaert., Anacardium amilcarianum Machado

Systematic Position

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Angiosperms

Order: Sapindales

Family: Anacardiaceae

Native: Northeastern Brazil

Common Names

English – Cashew Nut Tree

Malayalam –  കശുമാവ്

Description:

Cashew nut tree is an evergreen tree with strong tap root system. Widely cultivated for its edible nuts and pulpy pseudo-fruits that are of various colours. The cashew tree has a main trunk with multi branching system and a characteristic domed crown. The leaves are limited to the tips of the branches. 

Habitat:  Anacardium occidentale is a fairly hearty and strong tree, and it has a few adaptations to its environment that help keep it that way. One major adaptation that the cashew tree exhibits is its ability to survive and thrive in highly acidic soils,those with a fairly low pH level, usually around 4-5 pH.

Distribution:  India: Andaman & Nicobar Island, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Kerala, Odisha; Central America

Uses: The cashew tree is a multipurpose species, and value-added products of cashew have a wide range of uses. The kernel of the cashew nut, the pseudo-fruit (cashew apple) and the tender leaves are edible. Almost all parts of the cashew tree are reported to have ethnomedicinal properties. The fermented juice of the pseudo-fruits is used as an alcoholic beverage in several places.