Anacardium

The genus Anacardium refers to a group of tropical trees, the most well-known being the cashew (Anacardium occidentale). These trees are native to the New World and are commercially cultivated in places like Brazil and India.12

The cashew tree produces a characteristic curved seed, commonly called a cashew nut, though it is not a true nut. These seeds are rich in oil and flavor, making them popular in South and Southeast Asian cuisine as well as a protein-rich snack in Western countries.1

The cashew tree also yields wood, a gum similar to gum arabic, and a resin from its fruit shells. This resin has uses as an insecticide, in plastic production, and in traditional medicines. The cashew apple, a swollen stem that holds the seed, is used locally for beverages and jams. It's important to note that Anacardium species are related to poison ivy and poison sumac, and their resin can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.13