The Cashew Nut is native of North-east Brazil. During the 16th century the Portuguese introduced it into India and Portuguese colonies in Africa such as Mozambique. From India cashew trees spread all over South-east Asia. The tree grows in tropical areas with an annual rainfall ranging from 400 to 4000 mm and it grows from sea level to an altitude of 1000 m. Cashew is cultivated primarily in India Vietnam Côte dâIvoire Guinea-Bissau Tanzania Benin Brazil and other countries in East and West Central Africa and South East Asia. Plantings have also been established in South Africa and Australia