3 Review(s)

The cashew plant (Anacardium occidentale) is a tropical tree native to South America, particularly Brazil. It is widely cultivated for its edible seeds, known as cashew nuts, and its fruit, called the cashew apple. Here's an overview of the plant:Tree: The cashew tree is medium-sized, growing up to 12-14 meters (40-46 feet) in height under optimal conditions. Dwarf varieties, which grow to about 6-8 meters (20-26 feet), are also popular due to their faster fruiting and easier harvesting.Leaves: The leaves are simple, oval, and leathery, with a glossy texture.Flowers: The plant produces small, greenish-pink flowers in clusters. These flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators like bees.UsesNuts: A highly nutritious snack, cashew nuts are rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals (e.g., magnesium, phosphorus).Cashew Apple: Processed into juice, jams, or alcoholic drinks.Shell Oil: The shell yields cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), used in industrial applications like waterproof coatings, brake linings, and lubricants.