El Espavé

El Espavé (also spelled "Espave") refers to several species of trees belonging to the genus Anacardium, particularly Anacardium excelsum, native to Central and South America. These trees are known for their large size, reaching heights of up to 40 meters, and their broad, spreading crowns. El Espavé trees are found in lowland rainforests and along riverbanks.

The wood of the El Espavé is relatively soft and lightweight, making it suitable for various applications such as construction, furniture making, and carving. Historically, it has been used in boat building.

The fruit of the El Espavé tree is similar to the cashew, with a kidney-shaped nut attached to a fleshy pedicel. However, unlike the cashew, the pedicel of the El Espavé is generally not eaten raw due to its astringent and sometimes irritating properties. The nuts require processing to remove toxins before consumption.

The El Espavé tree holds cultural significance in some regions, with the tree often being associated with folklore and traditional medicine. Different parts of the tree, including the bark and leaves, have been used in traditional remedies.

Common names may vary regionally, and the term "El Espavé" might refer to related Anacardium species in specific locales.