The Pirangi Cashew Tree in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Norte is considered the world’s largest cashew (腰果) tree. It has a circumference of around 500 meters and covers an area of 8,400 square meters.

    Legend has it that the Pirangi Cashew Tree was planted in 1888 by a local fisherman who later died at the age of 93 under the shade of the very big tree. However, experts believe that, based on its growth characteristics, “the tree is estimated to be more than a thousand years old”. One thing is for sure, though, this is no ordinary cashew tree. It is the size of 70 normally sized cashew trees and actually has to be seen from a special lookout point high above to be truly appreciated. It produces over 60,000 cashew fruits per year and also attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over Brazil.

    But just how did the world’s largest cashew tree get so big? Well, apparently, it has to do with a genetic anomaly (异常) 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. According to the Institute of Sustainable Development and Environment, which manages the famous Pirangi Cashew Tree, around 300,000 tourists visit the tree every year.

    Interestingly, the Pirangi Cashew Tree has some home soil competition for the title of the world’s largest cashew tree. According to the state secretary of Tourism of Piauí, a cashew tree on the coast of Piauí is actually the world’s largest, covering an area of around 8,800 square meters. However, that claim has yet to be officially verified by Guinness.

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1.Which of the following is NOT true about the Pirangi Cashew Tree?

A It is estimated to be over a thousand years old by experts.

B The tree produces over 60,000 cashew fruits annually.

C It is located on Pirangi do Norte beach in Rio Grande do Norte.

D The local fisherman who planted the tree died in 1893.

解析：选D。D细节理解题。根据第二段第一句“Legend has it that the Pirangi Cashew Tree was planted in 1888 by a local fisherman who later died at the age of 93 under the shade of the very big tree.”可知，这位渔民最终在树下辞世，享年93岁，并未提及这位渔民去世的确切年份。故选D。

2.Why does the Pirangi Cashew Tree grow so large?

A Because of its genetic anomaly causing branches to grow sideways.

B Due to the weight and gravity bending its branches.

C As new roots form when branches touch the soil.

D All of the above.

解析：选D。D细节理解题。根据第三段内容可知，这棵巨大的腰果树成长为这般规模是因为一种遗传变异导致其枝条向外侧而非向上生长。随着时间的推移，枝条因自身重量而向下弯曲，触地后生根，从而使整棵树得以不断扩张。故选D。

3.What can be concluded from Paragraph 4?

A The Pirangi Cashew Tree attracts thousands of tourists annually.

B The Pirangi Cashew Tree is going to be cut down by the locals.

C The Pirangi Cashew Tree is said to be friendly to the environment.

D People are applying for another Guinness World Record for the tree.

解析：选A。A细节理解题。该段主要讲了作为世界奇观的一员，这棵腰果树吸引着来自世界各地的游客。故选A。

4.What is the current status of the claim that there is a larger cashew tree in Piauí?

A It has been officially recognized by Guinness.

B It has been disproved by experts.

C It is awaiting official verification by Guinness.

D It has been confirmed by local authorities.

解析：选C。C 细节理解题。根据最后一段最后一句“However, that claim has yet to be officially verified by Guinness.”可知，兰吉腰果树并非没有竞争对手。据报道，皮奥伊州海岸边的一棵腰果树也声称自己是世界上最大的，占地面积约为8800平方米。然而，这一说法目前还未得到吉尼斯官方的认可。故选C。