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The cashew plant, scientifically known as Anacardium occidentale, is an evergreen tree native to tropical regions of South America, particularly Brazil. It is characterized by its large size, reaching heights of up to 14 meters, and its distinctive cashew apple, a fleshy, pear-shaped fruit with a kidney-shaped nut (the cashew seed) attached to its end.
Here’s a more detailed description:
General Characteristics:
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Size and Shape:
Evergreen tree, typically 8-12 meters tall, but can grow up to 20 meters, with a short, often irregular trunk.
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Leaves:
Elliptic to ovate, spirally arranged, leathery, with smooth margins.
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Flowers:
Small, pale green turning reddish, with five thin petals, blooming in panicles or corymbs.
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Fruit:
The cashew “apple” is a fleshy, swollen stalk (pedicel) that is actually a pseudofruit, while the true fruit is the kidney-shaped nut attached to it.
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Nut:
The cashew nut is enclosed in a hard shell, which contains a caustic oil that needs to be removed before consumption.
Botanical Details:
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Family:
Anacardiaceae, which also includes mango and pistachio.
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Growth Habit:
Can grow rapidly in warm, humid climates, with a preference for well-drained, sandy soil and full sun.
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Reproduction:
The cashew is andromonoecious, meaning it has both male and hermaphrodite flowers on the same plant.
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Pollination:
Primarily pollinated by insects, such as flies, bees, and ants, and also by wind.
Cultivation:
- Climate: Thrives in tropical climates with rainfall exceeding 1000mm annually.
- Distribution: Found in coastal areas of India, Brazil, Vietnam, Tanzania, Mozambique, and West Africa.
- Fruiting: Typically reaches maturity in 3-5 years.
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