English In The Classroom

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The Largest Cashew In The World

The largest cashew in the world is in Pirangi do Norte, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. With a circumference of 500 meters, the tree covers an area of about 7.500 meters m2, making it 70 times the size of average cashew trees.

It was planted in 1888, by a fisherman called Oliveira. He died when he was 93, resting under the shadows of the tree.

The tree grew that much because of the combination of two genetic anomalies. First, the branches of the tree grow sidewards instead of upwards. They bend and touch the ground. Then, they do not simply rest on the floor, they create new roots and start to grow up again. It seems that there are several trees, not just one.

One of the most visited tourist attractions in Rio Grande do Norte, it continues to bear fruits at each crop. All registered in the Guinness Book of Records. It is estimated that, during the cropping season, the tree produces about 80 thousand "cajus". Visitors are free to pick the cashew, which are very rich vitamin C.

It originated in northeastern Brazil and was taken to the Philippines in 17th century. At present, cashew is cultivated in many tropical countries: the main producers are Brazil, India, Mozambique and Tanzania.