Wild Cashew

Wild cashew (Anacardium excelsum)

Common names: Espave, Espavel, Caracoli

Distribution : The tree is common in the tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests of Pacific and Atlantic watersheds of Central and South America, extending as far north as Guatemala and south into Ecuador

Color/appearance : Heartwood is golden brown, sometimes with a yellow or green hue, darkening to reddish brown with age. Wide, lighter-colored sapwood ranges from gray to light pink. Quartersawn surfaces have a ribbon-stripe appearance due to interlocked grain.

Janka hardness: 415 lb_f

Density: 2.08 lb_f

Shrinkage: 1

Radial (thickness): 2.8%

Tangential (width): 5.3%,

Volumetric (total): 8.5%,

T/R Ratio (width to depth): 1.9

Allergies/Toxicity: 1 Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, espave has been reported to cause skin and respiratory irritation, as well as asthma-like symptoms.

Sustainability: CITES: No IUCN: No

Common Uses: Veneer, plywood, furniture, boxes/crates, and utility lumber