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Description
Anacardium Occidentale, also known as the cashew tree, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Brazil but now widely cultivated in other tropical regions. It is best known for its cashew nut, which is a popular snack all over the world. The cashew tree can grow up to 12 meters tall and has a spreading canopy. It has a gray, rough bark and its leaves are dark green and leathery. The flowers of the cashew tree are small and pink, and the fruit is a kidney-shaped drupe that contains the cashew nut.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Anacardium |
Appearance
The cashew tree has a distinctive shape with a spreading canopy that can reach up to 12 meters tall. Its bark is gray and rough, and its leaves are dark green and leathery. The flowers of the cashew tree are small and pink, and the fruit is a kidney-shaped drupe that contains the cashew nut. The cashew nut itself is kidney-shaped and has a hard outer shell and a kernel inside that is covered in a thin, papery skin.
Care Guide
To care for a cashew tree, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and protection from cold temperatures.Water: The cashew tree requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: The cashew tree benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended.Soil: The cashew tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it does best in slightly acidic to neutral soil.Sunlight: The cashew tree requires full sunlight to thrive. It should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.Hardiness Zones: The cashew tree is hardy in USDA zones 10-11, which correspond to tropical and subtropical regions.
Common Pests & Diseases
The cashew tree can be affected by a range of pests and diseases, including:Pests: Cashew nut borers, scales, mealybugs, and spider mites can all infest the cashew tree.Diseases: Cashew anthracnose, powdery mildew, and root rot are all common diseases that can affect the cashew tree.To prevent pests and diseases, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene, regularly inspect the tree for signs of infestation, and promptly treat any issues that arise.
Habitat
The cashew tree is native to Brazil but is now widely cultivated in other tropical regions, including Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. It prefers a warm, humid climate and well-drained soil. The cashew tree is often grown as a food crop, both for its cashew nut and for its fruit, which is used to make a juice and a liqueur.
Question and Answer
Q: Can you grow a cashew tree in a pot?
A: Yes, a cashew tree can be grown in a pot as long as it is provided with adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients.
Q: Is the cashew nut toxic?
A: No, the cashew nut is not toxic, but the outer shell contains a caustic, toxic oil that can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems if ingested or inhaled.
Q: How long does it take for a cashew tree to bear fruit?
A: It can take up to 3-5 years for a cashew tree to bear fruit.
Q: Can you eat the fruit of the cashew tree?
A: Yes, the fruit of the cashew tree is edible and is often used to make a juice and a liqueur.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Anacardiaceae family include:
- Mangifera indica (mango)
- Spondias mombin (yellow mombin)
- Spondias purpurea (red mombin)
- Pistacia vera (pistachio)
References
- “Anacardium occidentale.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287182.
- “Cashew.” Purdue University Center for New Crops & Plant Products. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/cashew.html.
- “Cashew.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg057.
