Anacardiaceae, commonly called the cashew or sumac family, is a group of flowering woody plants in the order Sapindales. This family comprises roughly 70 genera and about 650 species of evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs and woody vines. Members are best known for several cultivated crops and ornamental species, but also for plants whose sap can cause severe skin irritation.

Key characteristics

Plants in this family usually have simple or pinnate leaves and small, often inconspicuous flowers arranged in clusters. Fruits are most often drupes or drupe-like, with a fleshy outer layer and a single seed, although form varies among genera. A distinctive feature of many Anacardiaceae is the production of resinous compounds in bark, leaves and seeds; in some genera these include phenolic compounds that induce allergic contact dermatitis.

Classification and distribution

Anacardiaceae belongs to the order Sapindales, and is related to other resin-producing families. For a concise taxonomic overview see taxonomic resources that summarize accepted genera and species counts. The family is mainly tropical and subtropical in distribution, with most diversity in Africa, Asia and the Americas; only a few species extend into temperate regions.

Notable genera and examples

  • Anacardium — the genus that includes the cashew; the edible cashew nut is the seed attached to a fleshy pseudofruit. See more on the cultivated cashew.
  • Mangifera — includes the mango, a widely grown tropical fruit (mango).
  • Pistacia — the pistachio, grown for its edible seed.
  • Toxicodendron and Rhus — include species known as poison ivy, poison oak, and various sumacs.

Uses and economic importance

Several Anacardiaceae species are major food crops (mango, cashew, pistachio) and provide oils, seasonings and timber. Other species produce lacquer or varnish-producing sap used in traditional crafts. Many sumacs yield tannins and dyes, while shrubby species are used in ornamental plantings and for erosion control in some regions.

Hazards, ecology and noteworthy facts

Although many members are beneficial, several produce skin-irritating resins — most famously urushiol in poison ivy and related species — and handling raw fruits or nuts (for example, cashew shells) requires care because of caustic compounds. Some introduced species can become invasive outside their native ranges. Ecologically, Anacardiaceae species often play roles as food sources for wildlife and as pioneer plants in disturbed habitats.

For comparative treatments, identification keys, and broader botanical context consult specialist flora or the referenced taxonomic overviews linked above (family overview, order context), and crop-specific resources for cashew and mango.