Anacardium occidentale – Cashew Tree

The Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale) is a unique tropical tree that produces both a sweet, edible fruit (cashew apple) and the world-famous cashew nut, which grows in a shell at the end of the fruit. Native to northeastern Brazil and now cultivated worldwide in tropical regions, this tree is prized for its dual yield, drought resistance, and distinctive form.

Cashew trees are well-suited for specialty farms, homesteads, and tropical landscapes where long-term productivity and water efficiency are key.

🌿 Tree Growth

• Medium-sized tree reaching 20–30 ft tall in-ground

• Spreading, umbrella-shaped canopy — good for shade

• Drought-tolerant and resilient once established

• Begins producing in 3–5 years from planting

• Performs best in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil

• Can be grown in containers when young but prefers in-ground for full yield potential

🌰 Fruit & Nut Description

• Produces a cashew apple (red, orange, or yellow), rich in juice and eaten fresh or used in drinks

• Cashew nut grows externally, encased in a toxic shell that must be roasted and processed carefully

• Nut must be heat-treated before eating — do not eat raw

• Apple is sweet-tart, highly aromatic, and used in juices, preserves, and fermented drinks in many countries

❄️ Cold Tolerance

• USDA Zones 10b–11

• Sensitive to frost — protect from temperatures below 38°F

• Best suited for South Florida, the Keys, coastal Texas, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and similar climates

📅 Harvest Season

• Fruiting begins in the dry season — often late winter to early summer

• Trees bloom and fruit simultaneously

• Nut and apple harvested together once fruit falls naturally or ripens on the branch

💼 Ideal For

• Agroforestry projects, food forests, and tropical farm diversification

• Specialty crop growers, Caribbean and South American nurseries

• Permaculture homesteads and rare edible plant collectors

• Educational farms and tropical orchard systems

🔒 Zill High Performance Notes

Our Cashew Trees are grown from high-quality regional seed stock, selected for vigor and adaptability to South Florida soils. Trees are well-rooted, outdoor-hardened, and ready for long-term establishment in high-value tropical plantings. Limited availability due to slow growth and propagation cycle.