Cashew

The cashew tree has a unique inflorescence

The cashew tree is an evergreen tropical tree. Its fruits are very special. The cashew nut hangs under a large pear-shaped ‘fruit’ called the cashew apple. This is formed by the fruit stalk and the flower base, which is swollen and has become juicy. The actual fruit is the small curved nut, attached beneath the ‘apple’.

The cashew apple is edible and has a sweet taste. It is, however, difficult to transport and therefore rarely seen outside the area where the trees are grown.

Cashew has been cultivated and is grown commercially today

Wild cashew trees can reach 14 m in height and must be at least 3 years old before bearing fruit. Cultivated cashew trees are improved so they only grow 6 m tall and produce fruit after just one year. They also produce four times as many fruits as wild trees.

Vietnam is the main producer of cashew nuts, followed by Nigeria, India and the Ivory Coast. 

Facts:

• Greenhouse location: Tropical house
• Danish name: Cashew
• Latin name: Anacardium occidentale
• Family: Cashew family / Anacardiaceae
• Natural habitat: Brazil

Learn more about other plants here.