Question 1

What is Anacardium occidentale called in Sinhala?

Accepted Answer

Anacardium occidentale is called 'Cadju' (කජු) in Sinhala and 'Munthiri' (முந்திரி) in Tamil. The cashew tree has been cultivated in Sri Lanka for several centuries and is widely recognised by its common name across the island.

Question 2

What are the medicinal uses of cashew tree in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

In Ayurvedic medicine practiced in Sri Lanka, the bark of the cashew tree is used in decoctions for digestive ailments including diarrhoea and dysentery. Leaves are applied topically for skin conditions, the cashew apple juice is consumed as a vitamin C-rich tonic, and the nut shell liquid is used externally for warts and fungal infections under careful supervision.

Question 3

Where in Sri Lanka are cashew trees grown commercially?

Accepted Answer

Commercial cashew cultivation in Sri Lanka is concentrated in the North Western, Northern, and Eastern provinces, particularly around Puttalam and Mannar districts. These areas offer the sandy, well-drained soils and dry seasonal climate that cashew trees prefer.

Question 4

When is the cashew harvest season in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The cashew fruiting season in Sri Lanka typically runs from March to June. During this period the cashew apple ripens and the nut at its base is harvested, sun-dried, and either processed domestically or exported.

Question 5

Is cashew nut shell liquid safe to use?

Accepted Answer

Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) contains irritant compounds related to urushiol and must be used with care. In traditional medicine it is applied topically only in controlled preparations by experienced practitioners. Direct contact with undiluted CNSL can cause significant skin irritation.

Question 6

Is Anacardium occidentale recognised in Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic system?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Anacardium occidentale is formally listed in Sri Lanka's national catalog of Ayurvedic medicinal plants maintained by the Department of Ayurveda. This recognition reflects centuries of documented use within the island's indigenous healing traditions.

Question 7

Can you eat the cashew apple in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The cashew apple is edible and commonly consumed fresh in Sri Lanka, particularly in rural areas during the harvest season. It has a mildly sweet, astringent flavour and is also pressed into juice or fermented into a traditional drink. The apple is rich in vitamin C.