PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Anacardium excelsum
Wild Cashew
(Bertero & Balb. ex Kunth) Skeels, 1912
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Colossal tree reaching 40-50 meters in height. It has a straight, cylindrical trunk with grayish, rough bark. Its leaves are simple, obovate, and large. It produces a small fruit with a kidney-shaped seed attached to a fleshy receptacle.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
MijaoCaracolí
EspavéHoobTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Sapindales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Anacardiaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Anacardium
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Bertero & Balb. ex Kunth) Skeels, 1912
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Dry Season
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits primarily humid forests and lowlands, especially along rivers and streams (gallery forests). Common from Costa Rica to northern South America.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Evergreen or briefly deciduous species. It plays a crucial role in protecting watersheds and preventing erosion thanks to its massive root system.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
4000.0 - 5000.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Trunk with high water storage capacity, allowing it to withstand dry seasons.
Extensive roots that stabilize riverbanks against floods.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Deforestation of gallery forests, causing riverbank erosion and habitat loss.
Fragmentation of riparian biological corridors that limits seed dispersal.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
One of the largest trees in Central America; its wood is light and traditionally used to build canoes.
Unlike the cashew (Anacardium occidentale), the fruit of the espavel is not commercially exploited on a large scale.