The Pirangi Cashew Tree, located in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, is recognized as the largest cashew tree in the world. It boasts a circumference of approximately 500 meters and spans an area of 8,400 square meters.
According to local legend, the Pirangi Cashew Tree was planted in 1888 by a fisherman who ultimately passed away at the age of 93 beneath its expansive canopy. Nevertheless, specialists assert that, considering its growth patterns, the tree is likely over a thousand years old. What remains indisputable is that this tree is extraordinary; it is equivalent in size to 70 typical cashew trees and is best viewed from a designated lookout point situated high above to fully appreciate its grandeur. Each year, it yields more than 60,000 cashew fruits and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from across Brazil.
Photo: Idioma
But just how did the world’s largest cashew tree get so big? Well, apparently, it has to do with a genetic anomaly that causes its branches to grow sideways rather than upwards. Weight and gravity cause the branches to bend toward the ground, and as they make contact with the soil, new roots begin to form and the tree continues to expand. Nowadays, it is almost impossible to distinguish the initial trunk from the rest of the tree.
Located on Pirangi do Norte beach, in Rio Grande do Norte, the Pirangi Cashew Tree became one of the main local tourist attractions after the tree was recognized by Guinness Records as the world’s largest cashew tree, covering an area of almost 8,500 square meters.
The Institute of Sustainable Development and Environment, responsible for overseeing the renowned Pirangi Cashew Tree, reports that approximately 300,000 tourists are drawn to the tree annually.
The Pirangi Cashew Tree faces local competition for the distinction of being the largest cashew tree in the world. As stated by the state secretary of Tourism of Piauí, a cashew tree located along the coast of Piauí is purported to be the largest, spanning approximately 8,800 square meters. Nevertheless, this assertion has not yet received official confirmation from Guinness.