Anacardium occidentaleCashew Tree

The Anacardium occidentale, or Cashew Tree, is a tropical evergreen tree known for its dual-purpose fruit: the cashew nut and the cashew apple. Growing up to 12 metres tall, it features a spreading canopy of leathery, oval-shaped leaves and fragrant pink flowers that develop into kidney-shaped nuts and fleshy fruit. Highly valued for its economic importance, the Cashew Tree thrives in warm, tropical climates.

Its adaptability to poor soils and drought tolerance make it ideal for orchards, agroforestry systems, and home gardens in suitable climates.

Specifications

• Height6 to 12 metres
• Width8 to 14 metres (spreading canopy)
• Native toNortheastern Brazil
• FoliageGlossy, dark green, leathery leaves arranged in spirals
• Growth rateModerate

Conditions

• SoilPrefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerates poor, acidic soils
• LightFull sun
• WaterLow to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• ClimateThrives in tropical and subtropical regions

Additional Features

• FlowersSmall, fragrant pink flowers that attract pollinators
• FruitProduces a nut (cashew) encased in a shell and a fleshy, edible cashew apple
• UsesGrown for nut production, ornamental purposes, and erosion control
• SpacingPlant 8 to 10 metres apart for orchard planting or standalone growth
• Low MaintenanceMinimal pruning required; prune to shape or maintain airflow
• Economic ImportanceNuts are a valuable commercial crop, and apples are used in beverages and preserves
• Environmental BenefitsSupports pollinators and stabilises soils in tropical regions

The Cashew Tree is a versatile and productive species, offering both ornamental beauty and economic value, making it a must-have for tropical and subtropical gardens and orchards.