Scientific name: Anacardium occidentale

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 58.33″ N, 64° 49′ 45.97″ W

Medicinal Uses

Anacardium occidentale (cashew) is used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, with parts like leaves, bark, and fruit used for diarrhea, dysentery, stomach issues, rheumatism, fever, high blood pressure, and wound healing, though scientific evidence for many uses is limited. Research supports anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer, and antiviral potential, but caution is advised due to potential skin allergies from plant contact. 

Common Medicinal Uses

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Leaves and bark are used as a decoction for diarrhea, dysentery, colic, and stomach ulcers due to their astringent and antibacterial properties (tannins).
• Inflammation & Pain: Used for rheumatism, fever, and general inflammation, with extracts showing anti-inflammatory effects.
• Infections: Applied for bacterial and fungal skin infections, ear, and eye infections.
• Cardiovascular Health: Potential for managing high blood pressure and heart disease, supported by antioxidant compounds.
• Diabetes Management: Extracts show promise in helping to lower blood sugar levels.
• Wound Healing: Used to stop bleeding and promote healing. 

Key Compounds & Properties

• Rich in Phenolics & Flavonoids: Quercetin, myricetin, gallic acid, and tannins contribute to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial actions.
• Antioxidant: Helps combat oxidative stress, relevant to aging and disease.
• Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria like E. coli and S. aureus. 

Important Considerations

• Allergies: The fresh plant parts (leaves, bark, fruit) can cause dermatitis or allergic reactions.
• Scientific Support: While traditional use is extensive, many uses lack robust clinical trials, though lab studies show promise.

Observations:

Phenological Markers – Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale)

1. Leaf Behavior
The Cashew is semi-deciduous, with broad, leathery, obovate leaves that may shed seasonally depending on local moisture conditions.

• Leaf fall occurs mainly during the dry season (January–March).
• New leaves emerge in a flush, reddish-pink to coppery, maturing to dark green.

Observation Tips:

• Track canopy thinning during dry months and timing of fresh leaf emergence.
• Observe color progression in new foliage during flushes.

2. Flowering
Produces small, pale green to pinkish flowers in loose terminal panicles, with both male and bisexual flowers present on the same tree.

• Flowering begins near the end of the dry season, typically February to April in St. Croix.
• Flowers are fragrant and attract bees, wasps, and flies.

Observation Tips:

• Look for panicle emergence, flower density, and flower type ratios (male vs bisexual).
• Note pollinator visitation during warm, dry days.

3. Fruiting
This species has a unique fruit structure:

• The true fruit is the kidney-shaped cashew nut, which develops at the end of the cashew apple, a fleshy, swollen receptacle that is red or yellow.
• Fruiting follows flowering, with fruits typically maturing April through June.
• The cashew apple is juicy and edible but highly perishable; the nut is encased in a toxic shell and requires processing before consumption.

Observation Tips:

• Track fruit development, from flowering panicles to mature apple and nut formation.
• Record ripening stages and color change in the cashew apple.
• Note fruit drop and animal interactions, especially birds and fruit bats.

4. Growth Habit
Cashew trees are low-branching and spreading, with a broad crown.

• Tolerant of dry, sandy, or rocky soils, they are well suited to coastal environments but can be damaged by strong winds.

5. Seasonal Pattern (St. Croix)

• Jan–Mar: Partial leaf drop
• Feb–Apr: Flowering and new leaf flush
• Apr–Jun: Fruit development and harvest period
• Jul–Dec: Canopy maintenance and rest phase