Anacardium Occidentale L. belongs to the anacardiacae family. This family comprises tropical and sub-tropical trees.
The cashew tree provides the nut, that contains the kernel, the CNSL and the shell.
A resinous gum is obtained from its branches and its characteristics are very similar to the Arabic gum.

The fruit's weight may vary from 3 to 20grams. The kernel is located in the inner part of the nut , representing approximately 30% of the fruit's weight, the shell being responsible for the rest.