Monkey nut, Cajui
Anacardium humile

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

It is a small shrub. It grows 1-2 m high. It has a woody base. It is sometimes only 30-90 cm high and loses some of its leaves during droughts. The leaves are leathery and 10-30 cm long. The flowers have a scent. They are white but turn pink. The flowers contain both sexes. It produces a fruit (nut) very similar to the cashew. It has a swollen fruit like a cashew where the stalk becomes large and fleshy. It is smaller and more acid.

There are 8-11 Anacardium species. They grow in tropical America. It has anti-ulcer properties. It is recognised as nutrient rich.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows best in drier tropical climates. It grows in the savannas in Brazil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Bolivia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Paraguay, South America

How it is used for food

The fleshy fruit stalks are eaten fresh. They are also used for jam. They are also made into juice and wine. The nut is roasted and eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit stalk, nuts, seeds

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Cajueiro-de-campo, Caju-anao, Caju-rasteiro, Cajuzinho-do-campo, Cajuzinho-do-cerrado

Synonyms

Anacardium pumilum A. St. Hil. ex Engl.; Anacardium pumilum var. petiolata Engl.; Anacardium subterraneum Liais; Monodynamus humilis Pohl.;