Cashew
Anacardium occidentale
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Description
The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) is a tropical evergreen tree that plays a significant role in agroecology and regenerative agriculture. It is primarily cultivated for its seeds, known as cashew nuts, and the cashew apple. The tree can reach up to 14 meters in height, with dwarf varieties available for easier management. Cashew trees are particularly valued in agroforestry systems for their ability to improve soil structure and fertility through leaf litter and organic matter contribution. They serve as a mid-canopy layer in food forests, providing shade and habitat for various species, thus enhancing biodiversity. Cashew trees are drought-tolerant once established, making them suitable for dryland farming systems. Historically, cashew has been used in traditional medicine and as a food source in its native region of northeastern Brazil. In agroecological systems, they can be paired with nitrogen-fixing plants like pigeon pea and ground covers such as sweet potato to optimize land use and improve soil health.
Growing Details
Cashew trees thrive in well-drained sandy or loamy soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic compost to improve fertility. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as lemongrass can help deter pests, while pigeon pea can improve soil nitrogen levels. Common mistakes include overwatering and poor drainage, which can lead to root rot. Harvest cashew nuts when the cashew apple is fully ripe and begins to fall. Post
Edible Parts
Fruit
Seed
Oil
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Fire Wood
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
High Protein
Oil
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Anacardium occidentale</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to northeastern Brazil
applicable geo region: Tropical regions worldwide
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of September for 60 days
Harvest:
beginning
of November for 90 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(5/5)
edible uses: Cashew nuts are a highly nutritious snack, rich in healthy fats, proteins, and essential minerals such as magnesium and copper. They can be consumed raw or roasted and are commonly processed into cashew butter and cashew cheese, popular vegan alternatives. The cashew apple, though less commonly consumed, can be eaten fresh or used to make juices and fermented beverages.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Cashew nuts support heart health due to their high monounsaturated fat content. They also aid in weight management and blood sugar control. The leaves and bark have been used traditionally for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
health concerns: Cashew nuts can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. The raw cashew shell contains urushiol, a toxic compound that can cause skin irritation, similar to poison ivy.
other uses: Cashew shells are a source of cashew nutshell liquid, used in industrial applications such as lubricants, waterproofing, and as a natural pesticide.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Anacardium occidentale
common names: Cashew; Caju; Maraรฑรณn
family: Anacardiaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Anacardium
Growing Conditions
area needed: 10.0 m
spacing: 10.0 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 30ยฐC / 18ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender: High
hardness:
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(10/10)
first harvest: 3 years
life span: 30 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Medium
max height: 14.0 m
max width: 10.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Monoecious
growth details: Cashew trees thrive in well-drained sandy or loamy soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic compost to improve fertility. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as lemongrass can help deter pests, while pigeon pea can improve soil nitrogen levels. Common mistakes include overwatering and poor drainage, which can lead to root rot. Harvest cashew nuts when the cashew apple is fully ripe and begins to fall. Post
Potential Disturbances: Natural pest management strategies include introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs to control aphids and using neem oil as an organic spray against the tea mosquito bug. Planting marigolds nearby can help repel nematodes. Regular monitoring and manual removal of the cashew stem and root borer larvae can prevent infestations.
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