Cashew
Anacardium occidentale
- Native to:
- Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guam, Guyana, Palau, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, Venezuela
Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Anacardiaceae
- Genus:
- Anacardium
- Species:
- Anacardium occidentale
- USDA Symbol:
- ANOC
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,mar,apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, pink
- Food Forest:
- Contains edible parts
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, mammals
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Native to coastal sandy areas; tolerates poor fertility
Propagation & Germination
- Germination Time:
- 7–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm, moist conditions; no pretreatment required.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)