Cashew

The cashew tree is a tropical evergreen tree that produces the cashew seed and the cashew apple. Native to northeastern Brazil, it is now widely cultivated in tropical climates for its highly valued nuts and false fruits. The tree features a sprawling canopy and can grow quite large under optimal conditions. It thrives in warm temperatures with distinct wet and dry seasons. The unique growth habit involves the nut developing externally at the bottom of the fleshy cashew apple. Beyond its commercial value in the global food industry, various parts of the cashew plant have traditional uses in local medicines and manufacturing.