Description

General aspect and origins - Anacardium occidentale, also known as cashew apple, cashew nut or simply cashew, is a tree that is native to tropical America, and which has spread to most tropical areas in the world. It is an evergreen tree that can reach up to 40 ft (12 m) and which bears fruits with edible nuts.
Leaves - Anacardium occidentale has an evergreen foliage. Leaves are alternate, obovate, and up to 8 in (20 cm) long.
Flowers - Flowers of cashew are grouped in panicles, that can be up to 8 in (20 cm) long.
Fruits - Cashew is a tropical fruit with an edible pulp, which is rarely consumed, however. It is the nut which is eaten, once roasted.

Culture

Anacardium occidentale is a true tropical tree, that can withstand temperatures down to 32°F (0°C), even to 30°F (-1°C), but not less. This tree can thus be grown in USDA zones 10 and warmer.