The Portuguese and Spanish spread the cashew throughout the tropics from South America and India, but it did not become important in international trade until the early 1920's. The cashew, is a multipurpose tree well suited to poor sandy soils and thriving in soils unfit for other crops. Cashew tolerates high temperatures and drought, but cannot grow in cold areas or in poorly drained locations. It grows well from near sea level to 700 m but is especially sensitive to cold damage. The cashew produces both male and bisexual flowers with male flowers predominating the first month.
Pollination is by insects.
Flowering varies with climate, but usually lasts 3-4 months. The nut develops for 6-8 months after pollination, with the apple developing during the last two weeks. The nut and the apple drop together over a period of 6-8 weeks. Rain during nut fall presents problems with decay of the apples and germination of the nuts. The tree will floral within 2-3 years and is at its best in 7 years.