Wild cashew (Anacardium excelsum, Bull. Bur. Pl. Industr. U.S.D.A. 242: 36 (1912))

Family: Anacardiaceae

Author: (Bertero & Balb. ex Kunth) Skeels

Bibliography: Bull. Bur. Pl. Industr. U.S.D.A. 242: 36 (1912)

Year: 1912

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Anacardium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Cuba, C. America to Ecuador

Description

The Wild Cashew, scientifically known as Anacardium excelsum, is a remarkable tree belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. Renowned for its towering presence and ecological significance, it is observed across various regions, from Cuba and Central America to Ecuador. This species was first described in a detailed account published in the Bulletin of the Bureau of Plant Industry of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1912 by Bertero and Balbis, with further classification by Skeels.

Anacardium excelsum flourishes in tropical climates, cementing its presence in the dense forests and diverse ecosystems of these countries. The tree is distinguished by its impressive height and expansive canopy, offering vital habitat and shade in the forested regions it inhabits.

One of the notable features of the Wild Cashew is its fruit, which intriguingly resembles the more widely known cashew nut but is not commonly used for consumption. Nonetheless, its presence in the wild plays an essential role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting a myriad of wildlife species.

The Wild Cashew’s robust wood is often utilized locally for various practical purposes, from construction to firewood, reflecting its significance in the daily lives of the inhabitants within its growing range. Moreover, the tree contributes to the stability of the soil and the overall health of the forest ecosystem, making it a critical species in its native habitat.

In summary, the Wild Cashew or Anacardium excelsum is more than just a botanical curiosity. It is a vital component of the natural world in the regions it populates, underscoring the intricate interdependence between plant species and ecosystems.

Common Names

Spa: caracolí, espavé
En: Wild Cashew
Ar: بلاذر عالي
Lt: Išlakusis anakardis
Fa: بادام هندی وحشی
Es: Caracolí, Espavé
: Wild cashew

Synonyms

• Anacardium rhinocarpus (DC.)
• Rhinocarpus excelsus (Bertero & Balb. ex Kunth)

Distribution

• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Venezuela (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Jul 4, 2022 by ANA ALTAMIRANO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2021 by Chandru Chawla (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2021 by Chandru Chawla (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2021 by Chandru Chawla (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 2022 by Mauricio Barajas (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 24, 2022 by Mauricio Barajas (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 16, 2019 by Chavarria Kevin (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5544303)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:12224-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Anacardium excelsum (Bertero ex Kunth) Skeels)

Specifications

Growth