Cashew

The Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is a tree in the peak plant family of Anacardiaceae. The plant is occupant to northeastern Brazil, where it is called by its Portuguese name Caju (the fruit) or Cajueiro (the tree). It is mainly grown in hot climates for its cashew "nuts" (see below) and cashew apples.

It is a little evergreen tree growing to 10-12 m tall, with a small, frequently irregularly-shaped trunk. The leaves are spirally set, rubbery textured, elliptic to obovate, 4-22 cm long and 2-15 cm wide, with a smooth margin. The flowers are 0shaped in a panicle or corymb up to 26 cm long, each flower small, pale green at first then turning reddish, with five slender, sharp petals 7-15 mm long.