Cashew family
Description
A family of resinous trees, shrubs and climbers, occurring throughout the tropics and subtropics with a few northern outliers (Anacardiaceae 1). The leaves are alternate, mostly pinnate. The flowers are regular with 5 fused sepals, 5 free petals, 5-10 stamens and a superior ovary. The fruit is usually a drupe with a single seed.
There are about 75 genera.
Use
The family produces resins, which are used in incense and Greek wine (retsina), tannins, and well-known tropical fruits like the mango, cashew nut, pistachio or green almond, and the less known mombins.
Described species
Anacardium occidentale, cashew nut
Mangifera indica, mango
Sondias cytherea, golden- or otaheite apple, see Mangifera indica
Spondias lutea, yellow mombin or hogplum, see Mangifera indica
Spondias purpurea, red mombin or Spanish plum, see Mangifera indica
Pistacia vera, pistachio or green almond
Pistachio lentiscus, mastic, see Pistacia vera