Cashew family facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anacardiaceae |
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The Anacardiaceae family, often called the cashew family or sumac family, is a large group of flowering plants. It includes about 70 different types of plants, known as genera, and around 650 unique species. You might know some of its famous members like the cashew, mango, and pistachio trees.
These plants can be trees, shrubs, or even woody vines. Some stay green all year (evergreen), while others lose their leaves in certain seasons (deciduous). Most of them grow in warm, tropical, and subtropical parts of the world. However, a few species can also be found in cooler, temperate regions.
Contents
What are Anacardiaceae Plants?
The Anacardiaceae family is part of a larger group of plants called Sapindales. These plants are known for their unique features. Many members of this family produce a special sap. This sap can sometimes cause skin irritation in some people.
Common Features of Cashew Family Plants
Plants in the cashew family share several characteristics. Their leaves are often arranged in a spiral pattern around the stem. The flowers are usually small and grow in clusters. These flowers can have five petals, or sometimes none at all.
The fruits of these plants are often fleshy. They are usually a type of fruit called a drupe. A drupe is a fruit with a hard pit or stone inside, like a peach or a cherry. Mangoes, cashews, and pistachios are all examples of drupes from this family.
Where Do They Grow?
Most plants in the Anacardiaceae family love warm weather. They are native to tropical and subtropical areas. This means you'll find them in places like South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Some species have adapted to grow in cooler, temperate zones too.
Important Plants in the Cashew Family
Many plants from the Anacardiaceae family are very important to people. They provide delicious fruits, valuable nuts, and even useful wood. Let's look at some of the most famous ones.
The Cashew Tree
The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) is famous for its tasty nuts. The cashew nut actually grows outside of the fruit. The fruit itself is often called the "cashew apple." This apple is juicy and can be eaten or used to make drinks.
Cashew nuts are popular snacks and are used in many dishes. They are a good source of protein and healthy fats. The cashew tree is native to northeastern Brazil. Today, it is grown in many tropical countries around the world.
The Delicious Mango
The mango (Mangifera indica) is one of the most popular fruits in the world. It is known for its sweet, juicy flesh and vibrant color. Mangoes are native to South Asia. They have been grown for thousands of years.
Mango trees are large and can live for a very long time. They are a major crop in many tropical countries. People enjoy mangoes fresh, in juices, smoothies, and desserts.
Pistachio Nuts
The pistachio (Pistacia vera) is another well-known member of this family. Pistachio nuts are famous for their green color and unique flavor. They are often eaten roasted and salted.
Pistachio trees grow best in dry climates with hot summers and cool winters. They are native to Central Asia and the Middle East. Like cashews, pistachios are a healthy snack.
Other Interesting Plants
The cashew family also includes other important plants:
- Sumac: Many species of sumac (Rhus) are found in temperate regions. Some sumac species have berries that are used as a spice. Others are grown for their beautiful fall leaf colors.
- Poison Ivy and Poison Oak: Some plants in this family, like poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) and [[poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), are known for causing an itchy rash. This happens because they contain an oily sap called urushiol. It's important to learn how to identify and avoid these plants.
- Marula: The marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea) grows in southern Africa. Its fruit is used to make a popular liqueur. The fruit is also eaten fresh and used in traditional medicine.
Images for kids
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Lannea grandis in Banten, Indonesia
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See also
In Spanish: Anacardiáceas para niños
