- The largest cashew tree in numbers
- Genetic peculiarity
- Edible fruits
- Popular tourist attraction
- tips and tricks
The largest cashew tree in the world covers an area larger than an entire soccer field. The unusual giant tree is in Brazil. The "Major Cajueiro do Mundo" is not only a popular tourist destination, but also produces a rich harvest every year.
The largest cashew tree in numbers
The gigantic cashew tree grows in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte, just twelve kilometers from the state capital of Natal.
- Age about 115 years
- Spread over 8,500 square meters
- Circumference: 500 meters
- Annual increase in width: one meter
- Main stem root depth: 20 - 25 meters
- Annual yield: 2.5 tons (70,000 to 80,000 fruits)
The age can only be estimated. The estimate is based on the assumption that the tree was planted by a fisherman from the town of Parnamirim in the 18th century.
Genetic peculiarity
Due to a genetic anomaly, the branches of the "Major Cajueiro do Mundo" do not grow in height, but in width.
The branches sink to the ground and form roots up to two meters deep, from which runners develop. From these, further foothills develop, so that the tree becomes constantly wider. The current size corresponds to that of 70 normal cashew trees.
Nevertheless, from a botanical point of view, it is only a tree consisting of a main trunk and many side trunks. The individual foothills are all firmly connected to the main trunk.
Edible fruits
The fruits of the cashew tree are no different from those of other trees. They do not carry any gene mutation and can therefore be harvested without hesitation.
Popular tourist attraction
The people of Parnamirim appreciate the impressive tree for its great impact on tourists. 3,000 visitors are drawn to the town every day.
Nevertheless, the unchecked growth also causes problems. The cashew tree has now reached the streets.
It also threatens the houses that stand on its edge. It is not certain whether the tree will be allowed to spread further. The affected residents have so far refused to sell their land.
tips and tricks
The genetic peculiarity of the largest cashew tree in the world has not spread further so far. So it can be assumed that the "Major Cajueiro do Mundo" will remain the only one of its kind.