| Mexico Guide |
| Flora & Fauna of Mexico |
| Nature Overview |
| Flora |
| Banana |
| Bougainvillea |
| Cashews |
| Cirian |
| Coconut |
| Habilla |
| Mangos |
| Papaya |
| Tamarindo |
| A Tropical Garden |
| Fauna |
| Birds |
| Insects |
| Mammals |
| Reptiles |
| Sea Life |
Books on Nature in Mexico |
Cashew
Anacardium occidentale L
The cashew, native to northeastern Brazil and introduced to Mozambique and India by Portuguese traders, is not widely cultivated in Mexico but when planted it does thrive in many of the hot, humid, coastal regions. The kidney-shaped nut develops first and afterwards a pear-shaped fruit forms and fills out above it, called the cashew apple.
The shell of the nut contains a toxic oil, which caused the Latin Americans and West Indian growers to concentrate on production of the succulent cashew apple rather than the nut. For some time, Brazil was the only area where nut production was maintained.
When ripe, the cashew apple and nut fall to the ground together. On cashew plantations, it is considered most practical to remove the nut and leave the apple on the ground for the cattle or pigs. The fruits are juicy with a taste and texture reminiscent of mangos and peaches.
The juice of the cashew apple can be made into a drink or fermented into a wine. The seeds or nuts of the cashew are roasted, shelled, salted and eaten whole. Oil extracted from the cashew shells is used as a preservative and water-proofing agent in insulating varnishes, in oil- and acid-proof cements and tiles, in brake-linings, as a lubricant, and for termite proofing timbers. The wood is used for furniture, boat building, crates and for charcoal. Bark used in tanning. The stems produce a clear gum, Cashawa gum, used as substitute for gum arabic.
Medicinal uses:
The juice of the bark and the nut oil are used on calluses, corns, and warts, and for softening cracked skin. The seed oil is also said to be good against amoebas as well as to treat gingivitis and malaria.
A decoction of the bark is an astringent useful in diarrhea. The Cuna Indians prepare an herbal tea from the bark for asthma, colds,and congestion.
The fruit is said to be an antihelmintic and aphrodisiac, and useful against dysentery, fever, piles, tumors, and ulcers.
A decoction of the leaves is gargled for sore throat. A poultice of the older leaves is useful on burns and skin diseases.
In Cuba the resin is used for colds.
