The largest cashew tree in the world covers an area larger than an entire football 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.
Where is the largest cashew tree in the world?
The largest cashew tree in the world, the “Major Cajueiro do Mundo”, is located in Brazil and covers 8,500 square meters with a circumference of 500 meters. Due to a genetic anomaly, its branches grow wider and not tall.
The largest cashew tree in numbers
The gigantic cashew tree grows in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte, only about twelve kilometers away from the state capital Natal.
- Age about 115 years
- Spread over 8,500 square meters
- Circumference: 500 meters
- Annual increase in width: one meter
- Root depth of the main trunk: 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 in the 18th century by a fisherman from the town of Parnamirim.
Genetic peculiarity
Due to a genetic anomaly, the branches of the “Major Cajueiro do Mundo” do not grow higher, but rather wide.
The branches sink to the ground and form roots up to two meters deep from which runners develop. These give rise to further offshoots, so that the tree becomes constantly wider. The current size is equivalent to 70 normal cashew trees.
Nevertheless, from a botanical point of view, it is only a tree that consists of a main trunk and many secondary trunks. The individual offshoots 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 genetic mutations and can therefore be harvested safely.
Popular tourist attraction
The residents of Parnamirim appreciate the impressive tree because of its great impact on tourists. 3,000 visitors come to the town every day.
Nevertheless, unbridled 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 properties.
Tips & Tricks
The genetic peculiarity of the largest cashew tree in the world has not yet become more widespread. It can be assumed that the “Major Cajueiro do Mundo” will remain the only one of its kind.