Cashew tree

The cashew tree is a shrubby tree in the Anacardiaceae family which can grow to 10m in height and 12-15m in diameter. Its fruit, the cashew nut, is a kidney-shaped achene hanging from a false fruit, the cashew apple, which corresponds to the fleshy, juicy, pear-shaped pedicel. The fruit only contains one seed, the cashew kernel. All parts of the cashew tree are used in traditional medicine for their antiseptic action. The roots have purgative properties and are used to treat coughs. The leaves and roots are used together in the case of diabetes and stomatitis. The leaves alone are beneficial in cases of dysentery, measels, hemorrhoids and gonorrhea. The bark is prescribed for jaundice, high blood pressure and dysentery. The fruit is used as a deworming agent in the form of a balm.