Cashew - Anacardium occidentale

Description and Uses

Anacardium occidentale (Cashew) is a tropical tree from Mexico. It is mainly grown for its nut crops (long shelflife), but also

can be produced. The crop is harvested by ground gathering. It starts flowering after 4 - 6 years.

. Medical uses include;

The contains ( - ). After 35 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Anacardium occidentale has a lifespan of 40 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 12 meters tall. It is very slow growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Anacardium occidentale has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations

(endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen.

Anacardium occidentale thrives in an altitude of 0 to 1000 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 5°C and optimally between 17 - 38°C. The optimal rainfall is 2250 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 500 - 3500 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 6.0 - 8.0 in a soil texture of sand.

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Pests and Diseases

and

diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 3 months. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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