Anacardium giganteum
Anacardium giganteum J.Hancock ex Engl.
Anacardium giganteum is a species of tree in the Anacardiaceae family, native to regions in South America including Brazil, Colombia, and others. It is characterized by its large, round, and mostly straight form, and is commonly found in upland rainforests. The tree's fruit is edible and sweet. The wood is low quality with coarse fibers and is used for temporary construction purposes. It is resistant to boring insects due to its silica content but is prone to bending and splitting when dried.
Description
Anacardium giganteum, known by common names such as cajui, javillo, cornonzuelo, and espave, is distributed across several South American countries. It typically grows in upland rainforests and occasionally in high flood plains. The tree is noted for its resistance to water-logging and its ability to stabilize soil. The fruit is a valuable edible resource. The wood is used for temporary construction due to its tendency to bend and split when dried. It requires special saws for cutting because of its silica content, which also provides resistance to insect damage. This species can be used as rootstock for other cashew varieties.
Distribution
BR · Parque Nacional Natural Cahuinarí · No especificado · Amazonas, Caquetá, Guainía, Santander, Valle · Amazonia colombiana: sur del departamento del Vichada; el suroriente del Meta; todo el territorio de los departamentos de Amazonas, Caquetá, Guainía, Guaviare, Putumayo y Vaupés; la Bota Caucana; y las vertientes amazónicas de Nariño (la parte alta de los · Bolivia · Brazil Northeast · Brazil North · Brazil West-Central · Colombia · Guyana · Peru · Suriname · Venezuela
