🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Cashew apples are edible, though astringent when unripe; the nut is a valuable food source after roasting to remove toxic oils. Cashew shell oil (CNSL) has industrial and medicinal uses. The tree provides shade and can be used in erosion control. It is a good source of nectar for pollinators.
Permapeople description
A tropical evergreen tree or shrub native to Brazil that produces the cashew seed and cashew apple.
Botanical description
Anacardium occidentale is a tropical evergreen tree that produces the cashew seed and the cashew apple. It can grow to 14 m (46 ft) tall, but dwarf cultivars can grow as low as 6 m (20 ft). The leaves are spirally arranged, leathery textured, elliptic to obovate, 4 to 22 cm (1.6 to 8.7 in) long and 2 to 15 cm (0.79 to 5.91 in) broad, with smooth margins. The flowers are produced in a panicle or corymb up to 26 cm (10 in) long; each flower is small, 7 to 15 mm (0.28 to 0.59 in) long, with five petals, initially pale green then turning reddish. The fruit is a kidney-shaped drupe that grows at the end of the cashew apple. The true fruit of the cashew tree is the cashew nut, which adheres to the bottom of the cashew apple.
Companion planting
Cashew trees are known to grow well with crops like legumes (e.g., peanuts, beans) that fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting the tree's growth. Intercropping with short-term crops like vegetables can also be beneficial during the early stages of cashew tree growth.
Propagation methods
Propagation is primarily through seeds. Cuttings and grafting are also possible, especially for propagating desirable cultivars. Air layering can also be effective.
History and traditions
Native to northeastern Brazil, the cashew tree was spread by the Portuguese to India and Africa in the 16th century. In traditional medicine, different parts of the plant have been used for treating various ailments, including toothaches, skin conditions, and digestive problems. The cashew apple is used to make juice, jams, and alcoholic beverages in some cultures.
Usage calendar
Flowering typically occurs during the dry season. Fruit (cashew apple and nut) maturation follows, with harvest occurring usually within a few months of flowering. Planting is best done at the start of the rainy season. Pruning can be performed after harvest.