Anacardium occidentale Seeds | Cashew
LATIN NAME: Anacardium occidentale
COMMON NAME: Cashew
Plant Profile
Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is an evergreen tree of the cashew family (Anacardiaceae), native to northeastern Brazil and grown throughout the tropics. It reaches 8-14 m, with leathery oval leaves, panicles of pink-tinged flowers and curious fruits: a swollen, juicy ‘cashew apple’ bearing beneath it a single kidney-shaped nut in a caustic double shell. The shelled kernel is the familiar cashew, and the apple is eaten fresh or juiced locally.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the Anacardium group, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. The upshot for anyone sowing it is reassurance — cultivated stock of this plant has a long, well-documented track record.
Uses & Benefits
Cashew works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Never attempt to process raw, unroasted cashew shells at home, since doing so safely requires equipment and precautions well beyond typical home kitchen capability. After the first season it asks for very little beyond a place that suits it.
The cashew tree gives both nut and fruit, and its bark and gum appear in folk medicine across the tropics. Note that the raw shell oil is caustic, which is why cashews are always sold pre-processed.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Cashew under ordinary good conditions. Fresh seed is best; sow it into a loose, free-draining tropical mix and keep it warm and consistently moist, handling raw shell with gloves given its caustic compounds. Bright light suits young tree well, and it typically establishes readily in genuinely warm, tropical growing conditions. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Cashew settles in quickly once it finds its footing. From then on, routine care is all that is required.
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