Anacardium occidentale is a tree common in India It is commonly found in south India. This variety and the tree grown in West Indies have similarly properties.
This tree is a member of Anacardiaceae plant family.
This is a tall evergreen tree. It grows to a height of about
4 to 6 metres, with light-black, rough, shallowly longitudinally fissured bark.The leaves are obovate-oblong or elliptic obovate, glabrous, coriaceous.The pennicles are 5-20 cms. long and
terminal. The nuts are 2-3 cms. long reniform, pale-greenish yellow, at times purple. The flowering
season is Setember to April.
Usage:
In Ayurveda the leaves, seeds and the roots are used for treatment of skin diseases, leprosy and annoraxia.
Chemical compounds obtained:
Cashew nut shell liquid resin (CNSL), Cardanol and anacadic acid are main chemicals obtained from this tree.
