Anacardium occidentale

Under ideal tropical conditions the cashew is an attractive, erect, 20- to 35-ft. evergreen tree with smooth brown bark and a dense, symmetrical, spreading canopy. Branching occurs very low on the trunk, with the lowest limbs often touching the ground where they can take root. More usually, where conditions are less than optimal, the tree grows to no more than 15 to 25 ft. and can develop an ill-defined trunk and a spreading, straggly growth habit. There are two main cashew tree-types: Gigante (giant) or Tardio (late), which are large, vigorous trees, usually flowering in their third year from planting, and Anao (dwarf) or Precoce (precocious), which are smaller trees that begin to bloom and fruit in their second or third year from planting and may bloom more than once per year. Clonal dwarf types or cultivars have been selected for in Brazil and India and are ideal for the smaller yard, but these are not presently available in the U.S. Where soil conditions permit (e.g. deep sandy loams), the tree develops a pronounced taproot. The oolitic limestone that underlies the thin soils of Miami-Dade precludes substantial development of a taproot. Cashews rapidly develop an extensive system of lateral roots that reach far beyond the edge of the tree canopy. Anacardium occidentale Synonyms: Acajuba occidentalis, Cassuvium pomiferum Common names: Maranon, cajuil (Puerto Rico), mereh (Venezuela), caju (Portuguese), acajou (French) Family: Anacardiaceae

A cousin to the mango, Cashew is a large tropical tree native to Brazil. Because of its origins in the equatorial regions, it flowers during fall and winter and produces fruit in spring and summer. This pretty tree can be grown in a container when young but should be planted in the ground in a tropical zone for fruiting since a mature tree can reach up to 30' tall. The cashew nut grows at the base of a red swollen stem that is often referred to as the cashew "apple." The cashew 'apple" is edible with a sweet, tangy flavor. Cashew nuts are caustic until roasted after which they are shelled and enjoyed for their delicious nutty flavor.