Anacardium occidentale L., a native species of Central and South America, is a plant used as human and animal food as well as in popular medicine. The purpose of this paper is to show the most important anatomical characteristics of leaves and edible receptacles (pseudo-fruits) for identification purposes. Details like the type of cuticle, stomata, epidermis, annexes and celular inclusions were emphasized in the descriptions and on the pictures. Phytochemical reactions for flavonoids, saponins, phenolic compounds and essential oil complement the identification.
Anacardium occidentale L. cajú; cashew; acajou; cashew nut